At Hastings Academy, the special class was in the midst of their physical education session, playing volleyball on the court. Serena, along with some other Omegas who weren't particularly inclined towards sports, opted to sit out and watch from the bleachers.

From her vantage point, Serena observed Charlie's graceful movements on the court with a sense of admiration. She had always known Charlie to be athletic, and skilled in martial arts, but seeing her excel in volleyball added another layer of appeal to her girlfriend.

A small smile played on Serena's lips as she watched Charlie in action.

However, amidst her admiration, Serena couldn't ignore the hushed whispers circulating among their classmates.

"Is Charlie really dating Serena? She's so lucky..."

"Charlie looks amazing out there. No other Alpha can compare."

"I wish I could switch places with Serena for just a day..."

The comments grated on Serena's nerves, igniting a flicker of possessiveness within her. She shot a cold glare at the girls, silencing their gossip with a single look.

Noticing Serena's change in demeanor, Charlie, in the midst of the game, sensed something amiss. Sensing her girlfriend's discomfort, Charlie quickly requested a brief break from the teacher, excusing herself from the game to approach Serena at the bleachers.

"Hey, why the long face?" Charlie said as she walked towards Serena, a concerned expression on her face.

Serena handed her a towel and a bottle of water, her silence speaking volumes.

"Thanks..." Charlie said, wiping the sweat from her brow before taking a swig of water.

Serena remained quiet, her thoughts elsewhere.

"So... why is my Omega in a bad mood just now?" Charlie whispered, leaning in closer to Serena.

"Hmm... Charlie..." Serena began, her voice trailing off.

Before Serena could finish, Charlie noticed the volleyball hurtling towards Serena, seemingly unnoticed by her. Without a second thought, Charlie pushed Serena out of the way just in time, taking the full force of the ball to her neck.

"Serena, move!" Charlie exclaimed, her actions swift and decisive.

Serena's eyes widened in shock as she stumbled backward, watching in horror as the ball made impact with Charlie's neck, the force causing her to stagger.

"C-charlie... your glands..." Serena's voice quivered with concern as she rushed to Charlie's side, her eyes scanning for any signs of injury.

Charlie winced as she touched her neck, feeling a trickle of blood seeping from the wound.

"I-it's okay.. I'm okay... Are you okay?!" Charlie's voice was strained, her concern evident despite her own pain.

The teacher and their classmates rushed to them immediately, concern etched on their faces.

"Miss Vanderbilt, are you okay? Y-your glands..." the teacher exclaimed, his voice filled with worry.

Serena stood up, her eyes narrowed in frustration.

"Shouldn't you guys be careful? We are far from the court, how come the ball reaches here?" Serena's tone was sharp, her annoyance evident.

"I-It was an accident, I'm sorry Serena," their classmate stammered, clearly flustered.

"Am I the one hurt? Why are you saying sorry to me?" Serena's voice was cold, her gaze piercing.

"I-I'm sorry Charlie..." the classmate apologized, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Okay, okay, that's enough... It's just an accident. Serena, help Charlie go to the infirmary... I think her glands were hit, and it could be dangerous..." the teacher interjected, looking visibly worried.

Serena, still clearly upset, softened when she felt Charlie reach for her hand.

"Hey, it's just an accident... it's fine now. Help me go to the infirmary, okay?" Charlie reassured her, her voice calm despite the pain.

Serena gave the teacher and their classmate a cold glare before nodding reluctantly and assisting Charlie to the infirmary.

When they arrived at the infirmary, Dr. Holly greeted them with a warm smile.

"Oh, if it isn't the Hastings power couple!" Dr. Holly joked, her tone light.

"Dr. Holly, Charlie was hit by a volleyball and her neck is bleeding, I think it's her glands," Serena said, her expression serious.

Dr. Holly's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. Injury to an alpha's glands was serious business.

"Come here, let me see," Dr. Holly said, motioning for Charlie to sit down.

"Did you get into a fight? Then the other person threw the ball at you pretty hard?" Dr. Holly asked, her brow furrowing.

"No, Doctor, she got hit while saving me from the ball," Serena replied on Charlie's behalf.

Dr. Holly examined Charlie's neck carefully, her expression growing serious.

"It looks like the glands were fine, but it was a close call. You have to be very careful, Miss Vanderbilt... an injury to your glands could have serious consequences. You understand that, right?" Dr. Holly said sternly.

"Yes, Doc. I do," Charlie replied, her tone more subdued.

"Now, Miss Sutherland, I'll need you to apply this ointment to Miss Vanderbilt's neck. I'll go check on the others," Dr. Holly instructed, handing Serena the ointment before leaving the room.

Serena applied the ointment to Charlie's wound, her touch gentle yet firm.

"Charlie..."

"Hmm?"

"I told you to never do that again... Why don't you listen?"

"But I think it's worth it," Charlie joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

Serena pushed the ointment a little harder than necessary, causing Charlie to wince.

"O-ouch!"

"I'm serious, Charlie... please, listen to me this time and don't do something reckless like that..." Serena's voice carried a note of concern.

"I'm serious too. If it happens again, I'll gladly do it," Charlie quipped, trying to ease the tension.

Serena's expression softened, her worry evident in her eyes as she finished applying the ointment. Sitting in front of Charlie, she cupped her face gently.

"I don't want you getting hurt as well... So please, I'm serious this time, don't do that again," Serena pleaded, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Okay, promise, I won't... I'm sorry." Charlie replied, realizing the weight of Serena's worry.

As they shared a quiet moment, Charlie hugged Serena tightly, seeking comfort and reassurance.

"It's okay... but don't make me worry again," Serena whispered softly, her arms wrapping around Charlie protectively.

Charlie nodded, understanding the gravity of Serena's words. She knew she couldn't bear to see Serena fretting over her again.

"Sorry for making you worry..." Charlie apologized sincerely.

"It's okay... but let's just avoid situations like this, okay?" Serena replied, her voice gentle yet firm.

Charlie nodded again, feeling grateful for Serena's unwavering care and concern.

With a contented sigh, they stayed embraced, finding solace and comfort in each other's presence.

Their moment was cut off when Aunt Stephanie entered the infirmary her voice can be heard from the room where Serena and Charlie is in.

As Aunt Stephanie's voice echoed through the infirmary, Serena and Charlie exchanged a worried glance.

"Where's Serena?! Who dare try to hurt my dearest niece?!" Aunt Stephanie's voice boomed as she entered the room.

Serena stepped forward, her voice calm but firm as she addressed her aunt. "Aunt Steph... I'm fine... I think you heard it wrong, it wasn't me who was hurt, it was Charlie... She was trying to protect me..."

Aunt Stephanie's eyes narrowed skeptically as she examined Charlie, her expression unconvinced by Serena's explanation.

"Whisper, I know you're being kind and still trying to protect this brat but you don't have to do that just tell me, what she did..." Aunt Stephanie insisted, her tone demanding.

Just as tension began to mount, Dr. Holly intervened, her voice steady and authoritative. "Headmistress, it's true that Miss Vanderbilt was the one who was hit by the ball, it was near her gland... I'm sure you know how dangerous it is for an Alpha to have that kind of injury, right? I think instead of giving Miss Vanderbilt a hard time with this, don't you think it's more appropriate to thank her for her kind gesture towards her classmate? If you're still doubtful, you can come here and let me show you, the wound on this child's neck..."

Aunt Stephanie's expression softened, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I'm sorry, Dr. Holly, and you're right,  I should've thanked Miss Vanderbilt instead of giving her a hard time... Thank you, Miss Vanderbilt."

Charlie nodded, relieved that Aunt Stephanie seemed to understand the situation.

"U-uhm... It's nothing, teacher. I'm just glad that Serena is fine," Charlie replied, feeling slightly awkward under Aunt Stephanie's gaze.

"Alright, since Serena is fine, I'll take my leave now... and don't forget about the biology exam, okay? No grade lower than A!" Aunt Stephanie said.

Serena and Charlie smiled.

"Okay, teacher!" Charlie replied.

"Okay, Aunt Steph." Serena said.

Aunt Stephanie offered a small smile before taking her leave.

'It looks like this brat has really changed...' Aunt Stephanie thought.

Charlie was seated alone at the cafeteria, engrossed in her biology notes while waiting for Serena. Suddenly, Lisa spotted her and approached with a bright smile on her face.

"Senior Charlie!" Lisa called out cheerfully, her admiration for Charlie evident in her eyes as she drew closer.

Charlie looked up, returning Lisa's smile with a polite greeting. "Hey, Lisa... What's up?" she responded, smiling back.

Lisa's expression softened with concern as she spoke. "I heard about what happened in P.E. class. How's your neck?" she asked gently, leaning in closer with genuine worry.

Before Lisa could extend a comforting