"Jessie has her own mission, so she can't take the lead."

However, that was untrue, and it made Jessie feel even more depressed.

"So Enzo ought to take command," said someone else.

"This isn't a vote to determine the leader of the pack," Caiden stated solemnly. "I have made up my mind. Lisa will lead the pack till I return.

As Caiden concluded his statement, muttering became more intense. The majority supported Lisa's leadership, but a few made gestures and conjectures among the group, causing division that Caiden could never have predicted.

When things appeared to be more under control the following day, he bid Jessie and Lisa farewell and...