A Little Too Late: The Sub-Alpha Chased for My Love

My head throbbed with pain, and a high fever left me barely able to move. Lying in bed, weak and exhausted, I suddenly felt something cold and wet splash across my face. I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open to see my boyfriend, Jonathan, standing over me, his face stoic with irritation.

"Niana, do you even know what time it is?" He snapped, tossing the empty glass he had just used to douse me. Thankfully, it didn't shatter. "It's past seven! We have an important training today, and you're still in bed? And what about my breakfast? My clothes? You didn't even bother to get them ready! What's wrong with you, lazy woman?"

The word lazy made me cringe. I've been doing everything for him, like a personal maid rather than a girlfriend. But the one time I couldn't, because I was sick, he called me lazy.

It's funny how he didn't even ask how I was feeling. With my pale face and weakened state, it should've been obvious that I was sick. But I guess that didn't matter to him.

"I'm sorry, Jonathan," I muttered, bowing my head. Without waiting for a response, I turned to making the bed before heading outside to prepare what he had asked for.

"I want this to be the last time, Niana," He said firmly. "I hate lazy members. Just because you're my girlfriend doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. It doesn't work that way. I'm still the leader of this sub-pack, and you're still one of my members." With that, he slammed the door behind him.

Our pack, the Golden Valley Pack, was known as one of the most prosperous, successful, and prestigious packs to date. Neighboring packs were constantly impressed by how our Alpha managed to keep everything thriving despite its massive land size.

One of the reasons our pack was so well-maintained was the division into smaller sub-packs, called Packlets, each led by a sub-alpha, most commonly known as Prime. These sub-packs focused on various essential aspects of life for the pack members—agriculture, magic and education, law enforcement, medicine, and peacekeeping.

Among nearly fifty sub-packs, two stood out and gradually developed a rivalry. These were the Blazing Packlet, led by my boyfriend, Prime Jonathan Hart, and the Amber Packlet, led by Prime Esmael Patterson.

Both sub-packs focused on peacekeeping, and while the Primes claimed that their rivalry was friendly, every pack member had doubts. Both were eager to prove that their sub-pack was superior to the other.

I was still young when I first learned about their rivalry, and ever since, I dreamed of joining Jonathan's sub-pack. I admired it, fascinated by the rigorous training his members underwent. So, when I turned sixteen—the age when pack members could choose a sub-pack to train and become a functioning member—I didn't hesitate. Despite my parents being part of the Amber Packlet, I chose the Blazing Packlet.

Looking back, I still believe I made the right decision. I'm proud to dedicate my life to catching wrongdoers and delivering justice to the aggrieved. I still feel that my purpose is to ensure peace and safety for every pack member.

A few minutes later, I finally served Jonathan his breakfast. "I don't think I'll be able to attend today's training," I said weakly. "I've got a high fever, and—"

He cut me off. "I don't care. Attend the training. It's important," He said, casually enjoying the tomato pasta I had served him, completely ignoring my condition. "It's not like that fever could kill you," He added dismissively.

I just nodded, thinking that maybe if I took some medicine and drank plenty of water, I might feel better. There was no point in arguing. To him, attending the training was more important than my health.

I still believe I made the right decision joining this sub-pack, but in moments like this—when Jonathan treats me like I'm nothing more than an obligation or his possession—I can't help but question my choice.

With my twenty-sixth birthday approaching, the age when pack members are allowed to switch sub-packs, I've been thinking about it more and more…

What if I switch sub-pack?

Would my life be better without Jonathan in it?

Definitely.

Do I still love him, though?

Unfortunately, I still do.