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.

forced him into a drunken stupor and left him sleeping on the

desires, aroused by drunkenness, got the better

he had woken up, the

efforts had come

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

the two had to face over the past few years.

be joy and happiness in your lives from now on, he solemnly vowed. I

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

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 of those who would give myself away merely for the

that being said, she stood up and turned

arms to block her from leaving. “Don't be 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 couples so that I can get a better sense of how they look on one's body.” Leering, he tried to persuade

place an order for fifty million immediately if I

one million as well. How does that sound to you?” “Please stop harassing

for you?” Derek Harvey shrilled at the

they've found out about your dirty past, our beloved daughter of the Smith Family? Every member of Channing's upper class

incident - it was the ghost that would haunt her for the rest of

never

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

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

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 fool, I'm afraid that I'll have

words, making her cheek twitch with fear. Abruptly, she dashed for the door

grasped her wrists

please!” Penny screamed at

staff have already left for home.” Derek Harvey flashed a grotesque grin, “You can shout all you want, nobody

despair, feeling like a trapped

why are you crying? Daddy is here..." Derek Harvey pressed closer to her with a sneer on his repugnant face, spinning his nasty web

thunderous thud reverberated around

it flew off its hinge and landed with a thud right under the nose of Derek Harvey and his

strong, lean body looked as fit as a professional athlete, while his exquisite looks appeared good enough to grace the cover of magazines. He was Nathan Cross. Penny gave a start the moment she saw

had fought back her tears even when Derek Harvey had almost molested her, yet the sight of Nathan made her tears run like rivulets down

stung Nathan's heart upon seeing Penny cry like a baby, melting the

had saved him in

inebriated state, he had taken her by force and had non-consensual sex

years, Nathan

filled his dreams every night; she was incontestably the

found 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, who was dressed