Hours later, at a more appropriate time to be awake, when breakfast was almost ready, and the members of my horde, who were always close at hand, were ready to eat, I announced the departure of Raoul, his mate, and their daughter. The news landed about as well as I expected. The members of my horde who have been with me the longest, and wouldn’t leave unless it was absolutely necessary for their continued survival were angry and hurt. They saw Raoul leaving as a type of abandonment. Maybe if I didn’t understand why he felt the need to leave,…