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.

mother's passing had forced him into a drunken stupor and left him sleeping on

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

the time he had woken up, the

exhausted all the possibilities to find the lady. Unfortunately, all his efforts had come to naught. It was only until recently that he finally

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

over the past

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

her client, Derek Harvey. Dressed in a smart suit, Penny appeared business-like,

she glared at the fat, pudgy man in front of her. “I'm sorry, Mr. Harvey, but I'm unable to oblige

she stood up and turned to leave the

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

I'll place an order for fifty million immediately if I like what I see. That's my

million as well. How does that sound to you?” “Please stop harassing me and show me some respect,

Harvey shrilled at

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

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

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

the need to explain 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 getting rough if you insist on defying

Penny was instantly cornered

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 Harvey smiled his

of horror shot through Penny when he uttered those words, making her cheek twitch

grasped her wrists and held her

help me, please!” Penny screamed at

staff have already left for home.” Derek Harvey flashed a

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

pressed closer to her with a sneer on

thud reverberated around the

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

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.

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

seeing Penny cry like a baby, melting the layers of ice within

saved him in a chance

had taken her by force and

past five years, Nathan had never stopped looking for

she was incontestably the most unforgettable woman

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