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

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

the time he had woken up, the lady had

to find the lady. Unfortunately, all his efforts had come to naught. It was only until recently that he finally got a hold of the information

name was Penny Smith, and that she was still unmarried.

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

your lives from now on, he solemnly vowed. I shall give you the wonderful lives that you both

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

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

stood up and turned to leave the

you to put on your company's latest lingerie

you just model them for me? I'll place 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

you?” Derek Harvey shrilled at the top of

would respect someone like you after they've found out 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.

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 of the

had never expected

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

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

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 I'll have to resort to physical means to make

cheek twitch with fear. Abruptly, she dashed for the door in

bodyguards grasped her

please!” Penny screamed at

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 to save

as she plunged into despair, feeling like a trapped

pressed closer to her with a sneer on his repugnant face, spinning his nasty web

thud reverberated

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

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

tears even when Derek Harvey had almost molested her, yet the sight of Nathan made her tears run

cry like

ago, she had saved him in

had taken her by force and had non-consensual sex

past five years, Nathan

was incontestably the

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. "Come with me!” Nathan beckoned to Penny with his gaze fixed on her. He did not answer Derek Harvey's question,