Page 8 of Wolf Promise

Laney snorted. "Of course, you don't. You're a man."

Bolt shifted in his seat and noticed Arek doing the same. Those words, in that tone of voice, never led to anything good.

His Alpha’s True Mate’s voice rose in volume as she continued. "You were raised to believe that the world centered around you and that how you look is just fine. You’re judged mainly on what you accomplish, not on how you look."

Justice and Bolt were both raised by the same pit master. A mean son of a bitch who used the whip to get them to do what he wanted. Bolt didn't know what Justice’s mental state was during that time, but his own focus had been on surviving and getting out of the hell that was the fighting pits. What he looked like hadn't really been all that important. However, now didn't seem like a good time to bring that up because Laney was on a roll.

"Women, on the other hand," she continued, her voice rising even more. "We're taught that we never measure up to the world's beauty ideal. The whole cosmetic industry and most of the fitness companies tell women that they are flawed and that their products can fix them. No matter how accomplished they are. No matter how much money they make. There is always something in their appearance that is flawed. Some insecurity to exploit for profit."

"To be fair," Justice interjected, "those industries tell men that too."

Laney shot him an impatient look. "Yes, but not to the same extent. Men's worth is valued according to their wealth and power. The media would never describe the cut of a rich male CEO's suit or mention what shoes he wore. However, even if you're one of the most powerful women in the world, journalists will still mention your hairstyle, your weight, and what you wear. A woman's worth is always about how she looks. It’s so messed up that fashion magazines sell much better when they have a female model on the cover, even though they market to women."

Bolt didn't read fashion magazines, but he could see why that was bonkers. Although most of the men’s fitness magazines had male models. Was that for the same reason? Not that he would ask Laney about that.

At least not now.

"I thought that was because those magazines are about clothes," Justice said. "It wouldn't make sense to have a man on the cover. Why would women want to buy men’s outfits?"

"My point is," Laney said, frustration lacing her voice. "Lofn Wellness tells women that they are perfect just the way they are. That they are worthy and that they deserve to feel better in body, mind, and soul. Working out is not to make yourself look better to meet someone else’s standards. It's about making yourself stronger and healthier so that you can live your best life."

Justice rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. "That's brilliant."

"Yes," Laney agreed. "Isn't it amazing?"

"Ms. Lansford is a brilliant marketing strategist. She's managed to convince her customers that she is different from all the other companies out there. And she can show them why they didn't meet their fitness goals in the past."

Laney shook her head. "No, that's not what she's saying."

Justice nodded. "But it is.She's still telling them that they are flawed, the same message that other companies project. But her message isn’t that they’re not good enough because they're not good-looking enough. They're imperfect because they don't love themselves enough. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that she was born into immense wealth and privilege. Even if she fails in business, she’s got family money to soften her fall."

Laney stared at Justice, who calmly met her gaze.

Then she looked at Arek.

Her mate leaned over and took her hand. “You are the most beautiful woman I know, inside and outside.” Good answer, but apparently not the correct one this time.

Laney pulled her hand free and stood. "It's impossible to reason with someone as cynical as you," she shot Justice’s way as she stomped toward the door. She stopped with her hand on the doorknob and turned toward them. “And for your information, she was not born into money. Her dad squandered most of the family money. Her parents’ life insurance paid for her college and graduate school, but she rebuilt the Lansford family fortune with Lofn Wellness. Something you’d know if you’d bothered to read her file.” She didn't slam the door on her way out, but it definitely made a louder noise than normal.

Bolt mulled over Laney’s words about Regina Lansford earning her own money. He’d have to adjust his view of the ice queen. What he really needed was for this meeting to be over so he could take that nap and then read his new client’s file.

"Do you have to do that?" Arek asked Justice. "Do you have to push all her buttons?"

"But it's so easy," the Brit laughed. "I'll apologize later. She'll forgive me. Again."

"One of these days, she just might not," Arek answered.He growled low. “Or maybe I won’t.”

Justice shrugged. "She loves me and knows I’m just teasing. But I get your point. I’ll stop irritating your mate. At least for today, maybe even for the rest of the week." He turned toward Bolt. "Let's discuss this new job of yours, then. Now that we know how brilliant Ms. Lansford is, how are you going to hold your own against her?"

First the quip about the “bottled-up” emotions, then the laughter about him being constipated, and now the Brit insulted his intelligence. Justice had just slipped completely off Bolt’s favorite people list. As a matter of fact, he had a new position at the top of a list of people Bolt would most like to punch in the face.

"It's a job like any other job," he said, purposely keeping his voice flat while wondering how hard he'd have to hit Justice’s nose to wipe that smug look off his face.“The ice queen and I will keep things professional and amicable until we find this sick fuck who’s stalking her.”

His wolf growled at the thought of Regina’s stalker.

Arek and Justice startled at the sound and then both busted out laughing.

Assholes.

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