The elders sat in their designated seats, expressions tight with irritation.
They did not like being summoned without the Alpha present.
They liked it even less when the one addressing them was not of their rank.
John stood at the center of the chamber, wearing a simple suit and the calm indifference of a man who did not care about what anyone thought of him.
"Where is the Alpha?" Elder Isaac demanded.
"Occupied," John replied evenly.
Murmurs rippled around the circle.
"We answer to him, not to… aides."
John's gaze swept over them . "I am not asking you to answer to me," he said. "I am conveying his directive."
"A nobody standing in this chamber speaking as if he carries authority." Elder Ben said.
John's lips twitched faintly. "I do carry authority," he said. "It was handed to me directly."
None of them liked it.
This interruption of hierarchy.
This breach of ceremony.
"Where is Beta Cyril?" Elder Thomas directed his question this time to Elder Isaac.
