Dark Moon Alpha Twins

Time Away

Chapter 9

Aric POV

I woke up earlier than usual, at 4:30 a.m., knowing my father would be in his office by 5 a.m.

I took a quick shower and got dressed quietly, careful not to wake Aiden. As I glanced at him, sleeping soundly, I couldn't help but think about his recent breakup with Emily. The weight of trying to balance his relationship and the intense training for the Alpha position had been too much for him. While it pained me to see him struggle, I knew he was doing what he thought was necessary to achieve his goals.

Grabbing a banana, I headed out the door, determined to get to my father's office before he did. The early morning air was cool and crisp, invigorating me as I made my way across the grounds.

As I reached the office building, the sky was still dark, with just a hint of dawn on the horizon. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

I opened the door to the office and found it empty, just as I expected. I took a seat in one of the chairs, peeling my banana and waiting for my father to arrive. The quiet of the room gave me time to gather my thoughts and prepare for the discussion.

A few minutes later, I heard footsteps approaching. The door opened, and my father stepped inside, surprised to see me there so early.

"Aric," he said, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "You're up early."

"Yeah," I replied, standing up. "I wanted to talk to you before the day gets busy."

He nodded, taking his seat behind the desk. "Alright, let's talk. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Dad, I want to go on vacation. Take a week away from the pack."

"Really?" He leaned forward in his chair, his interest piqued.

"Aura told me I needed one, and I think she was right," I said, hopeful for his approval.

He studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Aura is a wise young woman. If she thinks you need a break, she's probably right. But what about your training? You've been pushing yourself so hard."

"I know," I replied. "But I think stepping away for a bit will help me come back stronger and with a clearer mind. I'll still be training, just not here. I need some time to recharge."

He nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I understand, Aric. Sometimes, taking a step back is the best way to move forward. Do you have a place in mind?"

"Not yet," I admitted. "I just wanted to get your blessing first."

He smiled, a rare expression of warmth. "You have it. Take the time you need, and come back ready to give it your all. The pack will be fine while you're gone."

"Thanks, Dad," I said, relief flooding through me. "I really appreciate it. I will be leaving today in an hour or so."

He raised an eyebrow but nodded. "That soon, huh? Alright, make sure you've got everything you need. And remember, keep in touch."

"I will," I assured him, standing up. "Thanks again, Dad."

With a final nod, I left his office, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. I headed back to the house, my mind already racing with thoughts of where I might go.

I grabbed the bag I had already pre-packed, a sense of readiness washing over me. Before leaving, I wrote a quick note for Aiden and left it beside the bed:

Aiden,

Taking a break to clear my head. Heading to the beach for a week. Don't worry, I'll keep in touch. See you soon.

- Aric

I threw everything into my car and typed the nearest beach into the GPS. A location about five hours away popped up, and it seemed perfect. The drive would give me time to think and decompress before reaching the ocean.