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.

had forced him into

kind-hearted lady took pity on him and tried to give him a hand. But his desires,

had woken up, the lady

years for Nathan as he exhausted all the possibilities to find the lady. Unfortunately, all his efforts had come to naught. It was

and that she was still

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

found you, I assure you that there will only be joy and happiness in your lives from now on, he

the meeting room of Diva Limited, Penny Smith was amidst a discussion with her

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

she stood up and turned to leave the

“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

place an order for fifty million immediately if I like

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

Harvey shrilled at the top

member of Channing's upper class would cover their mouths and giggled at

shiver ran down Penny Smith's spine. Her face immediately paled when he brought up that ugly incident - it was the ghost that would haunt her for the rest of her life, a perpetual shame that would forever plague the reputation

torture to her. She had never expected Derek Harvey to

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

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

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

grasped her wrists

me, please!” Penny screamed at the top of

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 come

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

to her with a sneer on his

thunderous thud

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

room. 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 Nathan - it's

her,

pain stung Nathan's heart upon seeing Penny cry like a baby, melting the layers of ice

ago, she had saved

taken her by force and had non-consensual

years, Nathan had

night; she was incontestably the most unforgettable

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 beckoned to Penny