Mended Marks

Big Dreams.

"Westley!!!" He looked up from his emails with a wry smile as he saw Sera, one of his Gammas, sprinting towards him moments before she leapt the last little bit. Without hesitating, he caught her, pulling her snugly into his lap as footfalls thudded their way. Harrison skidded to a stop, a hand gripping the door frame to help with the abrupt turn as he pointed an accusing finger at the woman being cuddled.

"You." The beta snipped, eyes narrowed. "You are in big trouble, missy."

Chuckling, he played along with the innocent look the blonde in his arms gave him. "What could our Sera possibly have done to be in trouble, Harry?" He mused quietly, moving to start running his fingers through her hair. He continued as she readily leaned into the affection, a soft smile on his face.

When he had first found Sera, she was cold and aloof. More likely to tell you to go fuck yourself with a cactus than give a smile when you greeted her. It had taken a few months of careful courting to convince her to trial with the pack. One month was finally agreed on. One month, and he 'would kindly take himself and his fake pack on a long walk off a short pier'.

One month had turned to two.

Then three.

By month four, she had given in and sat in his lap at this same desk as he helped her eagerly fill out the pack registration paperwork.

"Our sweet little Sera decided it would be a good idea to eat the last of my cookies and put back the empty container for me to find." He nearly growled.

Looking down at her, Westley frowned slightly as he arched a brow in silence.

It took a total of two seconds for her to fold under his gaze, the playful air fading quickly into guilt.

"Yes, I did." She mumbled as she lowered her head, pressing her forehead into his shoulder.

"Why?"

"He knocked over my new facial serum and broke it."

"I apologized! It was an accident!" Harrison pointed out, exasperation in his tone and his body tensed. "I even cleaned it up!"

Gently grabbing her chin, he made her look up. "Explain."

"I- I just-" she sighed, shoulders drooping. "My brother broke my nice stuff whenever I bought it. Especially skincare. Dad never believed it was on purpose, so I got back at him by eating his snacks since Pops would fuss at him over eating to much junk food. I guess old habits die hard."

"Sera, you know we specially bake those cookies in batches since he's allergic to wheat." Westley scolded firmly. "Has he broken your things before?"

"No." She murmured, looking down as he calmly continued.

"What are you supposed to do when you're frustrated with someone or feel something isn't right?"

"Come talk to you and take a minute to calm down." He nodded.

"Because?" She sighed.

"Because you will always make sure everyone is treated fairly and respects each other." She recited blandly, used to it at this point. He nodded, kissing the top of her head.

"Remember next time. What do you think you should do, now?" She shifted in his lap as she bit her lip.

"Harrison, I'm sorry. It was just an accident and I let my insecurities lead me to do something to hurt you instead of talking it out. I shouldn't have eaten your cookies and purposefully taken something special from you because of something you couldn't control." She admitted, the scent of guilt and regret rolling off of her in waves.