Jeremiah looks like he's a little above thirty with black hair he wears in a low ponytail. His green eyes are hard to miss even though he wears glasses.

The younger brother, Eric, has brown hair and hazel eyes.

Both are fit, and I can imagine women find them good-looking.

“Who’s that?” Eric asks, gesturing towards the white wolf currently lying belly up at my feet.

Before I can respond, Jeremiah steps forward, his nostrils flaring as he catches Cassie’s scent. “It’s Cassie,” he says, his voice a mix of surprise and relief. “She’s shifted.”

He adjusts his horn-rimmed glasses, staring intently at me. I must admit, for a recessive Alpha, he’s holding up pretty well, not completely falling under the control of my pheromones.

“And who are you?” the younger brother asks, widening his stance and crossing his arms, completely oblivious to my pheromones permeating the air. He must be the Beta.

“My name is Ares Linds.”

Jeremiah’s eyes widen in surprise and recognition and he bows lightly.

I add. “I’m also your new landlord and neighbor.”

“Excuse me?” His eyes narrow as he steps forward.

It is the truth. I purchased this entire building over a week ago and ensured that everyone had moved out except for Jeremiah and his brother. It was a strategic move, one that I had planned meticulously. My belongings have also been moved into one of the newly renovated apartments in the building.

This is my first time even visiting the building. I had planned to seeher. I just didn’t expect it to be this soon or in this manner—her running toward me.I had assumed she would be indoors, but I’m guessing she somehow escaped, judging from the way the two brothers came running outside.

“I am sure you heard me perfectly fine the first time,” I state firmly.

Eric grunts, taking a step forward. Jeremiah stops him by placing his hands on his chest.Smart move.

“What is it that you want?” He asks, his tone wary.

“I want Cassie,” I reply simply.

Both Jeremiah and Eric’s eyes flare up with anger and possessiveness.Interesting.

“And what makes you think we’d hand her over to you, just like that?” Jeremiah asks, a bite to his tone, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

The younger brother looks confused, but he says silent.

I cock an eyebrow at his tone, and I chuckle lightly. “Challenging me isn’t going to end well for you. Cassie clearly likes me. Her wolf has already chosen me. Besides, I’m the only one strong enough to protect and satiate her. She’s the White Wolf oflegend, and if you want to be honest with yourself, you’ll agree with me.”

The brothers exchange glances, their expressions a mix of frustration and resignation. They know I am right. Cassie’s wolf has made its choice, and there is no going back. They have no choice but to accept the situation.

Jeremiah’s eyes stare into mine, a silent challenge lingering in the air. I meet his gaze steadily, unyielding. Cassie’s wolf continues to rub against my legs, soothing my own wolf.

“You should know that I do not plan on taking care of her alone. I understand your relationship with her, and I’m aware that she might need you guys.”

“What are you trying to say?” Jeremiah asks, catching a whiff of what I'm driving at.

“Why don't we talk in my apartment?” I suggest. “We have a lot to discuss.”

I can sense the tension in the air as the two brothers silently exchange glances.

Chapter Eighteen

Jeremiah

I let my eyes subtly roam over the apartment that now belongs to Ares.