Vasili fixed his gaze on his Alpha for a moment before he turned around and dashed forward, increasing the distance between them. Even though it would take Azimir not more than a few moments to get to him, Vasili wished to keep him away from the other wolves and protect them this way, fulfilling his role as the Beta of Ideni.
Fighting and subduing an Alpha was impossible, especially if it was someone like Azimir who had turned into a ferocious beast. All Vasili could do was run away from him and keep him occupied for the remaining hours of the night, hoping for the Moon Goddess to bless him and save him.
Some of the wolves who had seen their Alpha chase their Beta sucked their breaths. They could not help but fear for Vasili and a newfound respect emerged in their hearts towards him. To save them from dying, he had put his life at risk by provoking their Alpha when he could have all been selfish and saved himself alone.
Nobody knew what the outcome of the night would be and who would lose their lives at their Alpha's hands. But none of the wolves were willing to see their Beta fight their Alpha alone, especially the older and the stronger wolves, and they mind-linked Vasili, wishing to join him in this and help him.
'No.' Vasili panted as he ordered them. 'I do not want anyone among you to be our Alpha's target.' He continued to jump over rocks as he evaded Azimir, at times even by a close call. His actions were only infuriating the savage beast behind him. But Vasili had no choice.
Since he had taken it upon himself to stop his Alpha from killing anyone from their pack, he had to put his life in danger and persist to stay this way until the end.
'But Beta Vasili, we cannot watch you fighting our Alpha alone. Eventually, you will be tired.' One of the oldest wolves stated his opinion, and this got Vasili thinking.
Even though he was communicating with his pack members, he did not forget to keep an eye on Azimir and make sure to be aware of where he was going. He heard another growl from behind him. But Vasili ignored it for he was focused on formulating a plan that could save the pack members as well as himself.
'Listen to me. I have a plan.' Vasili mind linked the wolves who waited for his orders patiently. 'I want the stronger wolves to help me deal with our Alpha. While a few of you will accompany me, the remaining will protect the weaker ones.'
Vasili leaped across the river and ventured deep into the jungle, his eyes utterly fixed on his path and his ears on the wolf behind him, while his mind conveyed his plan to the other wolves.
'We will distract our Alpha like how I am doing currently, taking turns with it and exhausting him eventually.'
'This is a feasible plan, Beta. We can keep him occupied the remaining hours of the night and at the same time, protect our pack from his wrath.' One of the wolves responded, agreeing to follow his plan.
'Yes. But irrespective of what happens, please do not lead him towards any of the weaker wolves. Keep him within the area and make sure he does not get to any of us.'
All the wolves understood Vasili's plan and they divided themselves into two groups, with the larger group having all the weak wolves as well as some of the stronger ones to protect them. They immediately moved further away from where they assumed their Alpha to be, making sure to stay away from his reach while the other wolves rushed to Vasili's aid immediately.
Vasili endured the exhaustion that was slowly engulfing him. He had been indulging his Alpha for quite some time now, escaping him brilliantly. But he was uncertain how much more he could persist considering how miserable he felt.
His limbs were beyond painful and he was having trouble running. The distance between him and Azimir was reducing as time passed, and Vasili could only wish for one of the wolves to come to his help at this moment. And fortunately for him, his Gamma Zavid came to his rescue.
Before Azimir could reach Vasili, Zavid growled from behind them, stopping their Alpha from moving further. He stared at the wolf in front of him that kept running away from him before he slowly turned around to find another puny wolf challenging him and seeking his death himself.
Azimir snarled at him and Zavid perceived this to be his cue to start running. Not even caring where he was going, he ran with all his might, making sure to stay away from the path that led to the hiding place where the other wolves were currently.
Zavid gnashed his teeth and he pushed himself to his ability to keep the distance between him and his Alpha even though he had long realized that he was failing at it. His Alpha was gaining pace and if this continued, Zavid sure would become his first prey.
But he did not lose hope and he continued to run away, eventually dragging some time until two Deltas came to his aid.
The wolves took their turn one by one to keep their Alpha occupied until only a few moments were left for the frightful night to end.
At times, Azimir had almost reached the wolves that were trying to provoke him, riling him all the more. But the wolves had stayed together in this and had made sure that none among them were hurt even though they were beyond exhausted.
There were just a few moments left for the night to end. And Vasili had taken it upon himself to keep his Alpha occupied. He had covered quite a significant area as he ran around. But he had underestimated the abilities of the feral beast chasing him.
Instead of being exhausted, Azimir was only irked by the game of chase he was involved in and all he wanted was to catch the wolf who had started it.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he increased his pace and when he was just short of a few feet away, he lunged at the wolf ahead of him.
Vasili was caught off guard and he was knocked down by his Alpha the next instant. He stared at him in fear as he watched him baring his teeth at him. Even though he was still in disbelief, he did not miss the smug look the gigantic wolf above him was giving him.
But Vasili did not lose hope and tried to push Azimir away, only to be forced down again. Azimir had both his legs on his chest, making it impossible for him to even move.
Azimir roared in delight, celebrating his victory and the menacing sound was enough to send tremors down Vasili's body. Since he was closer to him, he could not ignore the rage radiating off his Alpha's body, and his eyes dilated in fright when he realized what would happen to him next.
And just as he had expected, Azimir did not waste any more time. He immediately aimed for his neck with the desire to rip his head off for even daring to challenge him.