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.

ago, the grief from his mother's passing had forced him into a drunken stupor and

kind-hearted lady took pity on him and tried to give him a hand. But his desires, aroused by drunkenness, got the better of him as he forced her to

had woken up, the

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

she was still unmarried. She had given birth to a

to face over the past few years. Penny, Queenie, I know it must

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

her client, Derek Harvey. Dressed

“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 sake of a contract,” she rejected

she stood up and turned to

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

an order for fifty million immediately if

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

Derek Harvey shrilled at the top of his

about your dirty past, our 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

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

her. She had never expected Derek Harvey to use it, trampling all over her

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 getting rough

words still resounding in her ears, Penny was instantly cornered by two bodyguards with crooked smiles

to have some fun with you, 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 fool, I'm afraid that

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

bodyguards grasped her wrists and

me, please!” Penny screamed

your breath, my dear. I've picked this hour for our meeting as all of your staff have already left for home.” Derek Harvey flashed a

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

sneer on his repugnant face, spinning his nasty web

A thunderous thud

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

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

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

cry like a baby, melting the layers of ice within

years ago, she had saved him in a

inebriated state, he had taken her by

years, Nathan had never stopped looking

his dreams every night; she was incontestably the most

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