Nine

Nine elders were seated at the round table. Nine people who were to be the elders of the pack. Nine members, of which the majority came to do what they knew best, to plot evil. They sat, each wearing his or her black cloak to signify that they were about to deliberate on certain issues. 

"We should not have given her two more weeks to find that wretch mother of hers," Zeta Ahmik said. "That will make it a month with us not having an Alpha."

"You have to be fair to the girl," Mrs Maxwell said. "She is doing everything she can to bring our Alpha back. If anything, I expected you all to at least be proud of her efforts." 

Beta Calian snorted. "You speak like she is the only one who is making effort, Gamma Maxwell." He smirked. "I am not surprised at your stand though, you are her fellow woman, after all." 

"What is that supposed to mean, Calian?" Mrs Maxwell asked. 

Zeta Ahmik answe