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.

his mother's passing had forced him into

lady took pity on him and tried to give him a hand. But his desires, aroused by drunkenness, got

woken up, the lady

Unfortunately, all his efforts had come to

Smith, and that she was still unmarried. She had given birth

think about the dreadful life that the two had to face over the past few years. Penny, Queenie, I know it must have

happiness in your lives from

discussion with her client, Derek Harvey. Dressed in a smart suit,

rage as 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

stood up

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 her, “Just a small feast

place an order for fifty million immediately

as well. How does that sound to you?” “Please stop harassing me and

shrilled at the

beloved daughter of the Smith 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 pure and

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

to her. She had never

my personal life to you,” her beautiful face turned frigid, “And I've decided to call off our business cooperation with you. There's nothing left 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, Ms. Smith. Don't blame me for

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

you know how much I adore you?" Derek Harvey smiled his obnoxious, lewd

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

her wrists and held

Penny screamed at the top of

my 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,

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

here..." Derek Harvey pressed closer to her with a sneer on his repugnant face, spinning

A thunderous thud reverberated around

and landed with a thud right under the nose of Derek Harvey and his men, leaving them

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

molested her, yet the sight

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

had saved him in

he had taken her by force

Nathan

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

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 in civilian clothes.