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.

mother's passing had forced him into a

his desires, aroused by

woken up,

all his efforts had come to naught. It was only until recently that

sources had informed him that her name was Penny Smith, and that she was still unmarried. She

over the past few years. Penny,

that I've found you, I assure you that there will only be joy and happiness in your lives from now on, he solemnly vowed. I shall

Penny Smith was amidst a discussion with her client, Derek Harvey. Dressed in a smart

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 of those who would

that being said, she stood up

mad, Ms. Smith.” His lips widened into a nauseous grin, like a hungry wolf baring its fangs. “All I'm asking is for you to put on your company's latest lingerie design for

for me? I'll place an order for fifty million immediately if I like what I see.

well.

Harvey shrilled at the top

of Channing's upper class would cover

paled when he brought up that ugly incident - it was the ghost that would haunt her for the rest of her life,

mention of it was torture to her. She had never expected Derek Harvey to use it, trampling all over her

Derek Harvey refused to relent. He darted his eyes over to the lingerie samples on the table and threatened, “No woman can escape

instantly cornered by two bodyguards with crooked

trying to do?” Penny immediately grew alert. Her voice was thick with rage and fear. “I'm just trying to have some fun with you, Ms. Smith. Don't you know how much I adore you?" Derek Harvey smiled his obnoxious, lewd smile,

of horror shot through Penny when he uttered those words, making her cheek twitch with fear. Abruptly, she dashed for the door in a bid

grasped her wrists and held

Someone help me, please!” Penny screamed at the top of

as all of your staff have already left for home.” Derek Harvey flashed a grotesque grin, “You

she plunged into despair, feeling like a trapped animal. She had never expected Derek

her with a sneer on his repugnant face, spinning his

A thunderous thud reverberated

such force that it flew off its hinge and landed with a thud right under the nose of Derek Harvey and his men, leaving them in shock,

professional athlete, while his exquisite looks appeared good enough to grace the cover of magazines. He was Nathan Cross. Penny gave

molested her, yet the sight of Nathan made her tears run like rivulets down

upon seeing Penny cry like a baby, melting the

saved him in

in his inebriated state, he had taken her by force and

the past five years, Nathan had never stopped

every night; she was incontestably the most unforgettable

each other again, the inexplicable look 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,