Salute To The General

Chapter 1 Ares Of The North

The entire city of Channing was on high alert.

A military aircraft was making its landing at the Channing International Airport.

Hundreds of soldiers from the special forces aligned themselves into neat rows at the airport. Each soldier was dressed in full battle gear.

None of them could tear their adulatory eyes away from the aircraft that had just landed. There was a sense of eager anticipation in the air.

Nathan Cross made his way down the aircraft's stairs after he had exited. His black combat boots creaked with every step he took.

“Attention!”

“Salute!”

The strident voice of the officer pierced through the air with a note of authority and discipline.

The troops raised their right hand uniformly to give their salutes while greeting him concertedly, “Welcome to Channing, Sir”

He was their general, whose actual name was Nathan Cross, although they liked to refer him as the Ares of the North.

That was because he had never lost a battle in his distinguished military career, since the day he had joined the army as a young chap.

His track record for the past five years had been jaw-dropping when he had led the troops to several significant victories in the north.

He had repeatedly defended the borders from invading enemies. The country owed it to his tactical genius and strategic astuteness for the peace and prosperity that it was enjoying today.

With a tall and muscular physique, Nathan Cross was an attractive man. His luminous eyes sparkled like diamonds in the dazzling sunlight.

Nonetheless, he seemed a little displeased. Knitting his brows together, he muttered to Colin Dunne, captain of the National Guards, “Didn't I tell you to keep a low profile?”

“That's what I've been telling the Channing's authorities, Sir. I'd never expected that they would make such a fuss about it,” Colin Dunne replied abashedly.

“Send the troops back and inform them to lift the red alert status, reverting everything to its usual course. The same goes for you - I don't need you to follow me around. I have my own arrangements.”

"Yes, Sir” Colin Dunne clapped his heels together and saluted.

Nathan Cross strode out of the airport alone, accompanied by a sudden myriad of strange emotions that tugged at his heart, which was a huge departure from his usual calm demeanor.

from his mother's passing had forced him into a drunken stupor

to give him a hand. But his desires, aroused by drunkenness, got the better of him as he forced her

had woken up, the

for Nathan as he exhausted all the possibilities to find the lady. Unfortunately, all his efforts had come to naught. It was only until recently that he finally

had informed him that her name was Penny Smith, and that she was still unmarried. She had given birth to a daughter, Queenie Smith,

had to face over the past few years. Penny, Queenie, I know it must have been hard for

only be joy and happiness in your lives from now on, he solemnly vowed. I shall give you the

meeting room of Diva Limited, Penny Smith was amidst a discussion with her client, Derek Harvey. Dressed in a smart suit, Penny

she glared at the fat, pudgy man in front of her. “I'm sorry, Mr. Harvey, but I'm unable to oblige your request. I'm not one

she stood up and turned to

put on your company's latest lingerie design for couples so that I can get a better sense of how they look on

million immediately

big fat tip of one million as well. How does that sound to you?” “Please stop harassing me and show me some respect, Mr.

shrilled at

Family? Every member of Channing's upper class would cover their mouths and giggled at this open secret. Stop pretending like you're like some

ugly incident - it was the ghost that

of it was torture to her. She had never

to discuss, goodbye!” With his eyes pinned on Penny's alluring body, Derek Harvey refused to relent. He darted his eyes over to the lingerie samples on the table and threatened, “No woman can escape from me once I have my eyes on her,

her ears, Penny was instantly cornered by two bodyguards with crooked smiles

Ms. Smith. Don't you know how much I adore you?" Derek Harvey smiled his obnoxious, lewd smile, “But since you are such a pig-headed

through Penny when he uttered those words, making her cheek twitch with fear. Abruptly, she

her wrists

please!” Penny screamed

dear. I've picked this hour for our meeting as all of your staff have already left for home.” Derek Harvey flashed a grotesque grin, “You can shout all you want, nobody will

despair, feeling like a trapped animal. She

to her with a sneer on his repugnant face, spinning his nasty web around Penny,

thunderous thud reverberated

door was booted open with such force that it flew off its hinge and landed with a thud right under the nose of Derek Harvey and

his exquisite looks appeared good enough to grace the

back her tears even when Derek Harvey had almost molested her, yet

Penny cry like a baby, melting the

she had saved him in

inebriated state, he had taken her by

years, Nathan had never

filled his dreams every night; she was incontestably the most unforgettable

in their eyes spoke a thousand words. Derek Harvey's voice snapped both of them back to their senses. “Who the hell are you?” His eyes were narrowed and full of menace as he assessed Nathan, who was dressed in civilian clothes. "Come with me!” Nathan