Lt. Col. Nara is seated in the control room and is fixated on the landmarks of Salvania. The control room was stationed at the center of the base camp, managed by the intelligence division, and was filled with monitors, communication tools, papers, and maps.
"Tell the four companies to allocate snipers in every direction. They must stay on guard 24/7. It will be done with 2 pairs in 4 intervals."
Drake ordered.
After that, he went straight to Zula's home.
***
Zula was watching on her laptop when someone entered through the door. She left it open to welcome anyone with health concerns.
"Oh, lieutenant colonel, welcome, what can I do for you?" Zula asked as she paused what she was watching.
"Six of my men were unable to attend their routine checkups due to valid reasons, so I came here to ask if you could do a physical examination on them."
Lt. Col. Nara said as he monitored the interior of the house. He was astounded by how people managed to build a structure on a plateau in the middle of nowhere.
"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel, I can do it right away or whenever you need me to."
He looked to Zula and introduced himself: "Drake, Drake Nara."
Zula was uncomfortable with his gaze and lost the words to speak.
After a while, she finally introduced herself as well.
"I'm Z-Zula. Ehmmm." She said as she initiated a handshake.
Drake didn't hesitate to reach for it. Zula can't look straight into his eyes, so she just grinned while looking at their hands.
'Her hand is warm but not feminine. Her fingers are slender and fair, but I can feel some minor bruising and calluses.'
Drake was lost in his thoughts when Zula let go of his hand.
"Wait for a little while; I'm going to call them right now," Drake said and left before he could think of any more nonsense.
***
Six men showed up afterwards, each carrying a piece of paper.
"Hi, ma'am Zula," one of the soldiers said, whom Zula immediately recognized as Ryan's.
"Oh, hi, welcome. Have a seat," Zula responded while pointing at the wooden seats in front of her table.
"Kindly give me your papers." The soldiers followed and gave her their medical records.
As she calls their names one by one, they will sit in front of her. She then takes their blood pressure, height, and weight and examines them from head to toe.
***
That night, Zula was again watching her favorite show while drinking a cup of milk when Drake entered the room.
"My men said you treated them well," he complemented as he made himself comfortable in a chair while staring at Zula.
"Here comes that stare again," thought Zula, trying to act as normal as possible.
"Well, every medical staff member must treat people with care. Anyway, coffe?" She asked
.
"Sure,"
Zula smiled and then went to the kitchen. When she came back, she was holding a tray with brownies and a cup of milk on it. She put the tray on the table and sat in front of her guest.
While looking at Drake, Zula shrugged at the thought that he looks like the cruel and heartless commander who doesn't smile and only wants his orders to be followed, not even caring for his soldiers.
Drake, on the other hand, while taking a sip of the milk Zula prepared, is admiring how exquisite and wonderful her scarlet hair is, long and straight.
"So, I've always been wondering if you could share with me why military troops are deployed here? I mean, there are innocent people here, and if there's a threat in this place, it's better if we could warn them of the danger. I know it must be confidential, but is there something that the villagers must be wary of?" Zula asked intently.
"Yeah, actually, this area is currently unsafe, but don't worry; the tribe's safety is our priority, and soldiers are already deployed to take care of them. My men are also making a fortress in case the unexpected happens."
"How thoughtful of you; thank you." Zula was relieved upon hearing that the tribe was protected.
"No worries, it's our duty."
A few moments later, Zula was surprised when Drake, who always wore a military patrol cap, took it off.
He has long black hair tied in a ponytail. He's quite handsome, and he looks hot. This is the first time Zula has ever seen his whole face. His hair completely gave him the alpha look that every woman can't take their eyes off.
Zula felt a stream of redness on her cheeks when his eyes met hers.
"I can't believe a lieutenant colonel would have such long hair," Zula said, and she drank her milk with her hands slightly shaking out of unexplained nervousness.
"I'm surprised they didn't stop me."
"You must have pulled some strings," teased Zula.
"I guess," he said and smirked, which made Zula smile.
Drake was amazed by her simple yet gorgeous looks. Especially when she smiles, her eyes are deep brown, her brows are thick, and her beauty is natural. She gives off a badass and dark aura,which he finds hot and attractive.
When he became aware of his thoughts, he shrugged his shoulders and stood up.
"It's getting late already; I didn't notice the time. Thanks for the service, Zula; have a good night," Drake said.
"You too, sir."
***
Weeks passed, and nothing changed. Zula still took good care of the natives as well as the military personnel; not only did the children feel closer to her, but most of the military officers did as well.
Meanwhile, Drake was having his morning jog when Shane approached him.
"Sir, a report from the Alpha company," she said while carrying a satellite phone in her hands, which Drake immediately took.
"Sir, we have eyes on target, 4 km away from our camp." Captain Morgan reported from the other end of the line
"Are you able to confirm that it's the refuge of Saiku?" Drake asked
"Yes, sir, the snipers just saw groups of men guarding a tent; they all have the serpent tattoo on their neck. We believe there is an underground facility and bunkers. We haven't been close enough to monitor the whole place, but they are using a simple tent as a cover, sir."
"There are almost a thousand men along with him. Don't engage and continue monitoring. Get more information as soon as you can."
"Sir, yes, sir."
***
Drake immediately went to the control room upon receiving Captain Morgan's report.
"Connect me to the other companies." The Intel division connected the five companies using satellite radio.
"Prepare to move anytime; the Alpha company has eyes on target; strengthen your defense; and don't engage until I say so," he commanded.
After that, he looked at Shane.
"Captain Shane, prepare your men for reinforcement."
"Sir, yes sir,"
***
It is Monday morning, which is usually the time for the children to have their regular checkups. So as usual, Zula's home was filled with laughter and liveliness. Not until Shane entered.
"May I talk to you for a bit, Miss Zula?" Shane asked with no emotion, which made the children look at her in confusion.
"Sure," Zula said with a smile on her face, then turned to the children.
"Alright guys, see you next Monday. Take care on your way home."
As soon as they all bid farewell to their beautiful healthcare provider, everyone energetically went home.
"Is there a problem, captain?" Zula asked while stocking up the monoblocks that the children sat on.
"Yes, I'm afraid this is a military camp and is restricted to civilians, especially children; it's too dangerous." Shane said it as an insult.
"Yeah, I understand; that's why I told them clearly not to go beyond the perimeter of this building, and I already asked permission from your lieutenant colonel, and he agreed."
Zula seemed unbothered as she clapped her hands to shake off the dirt.
"Oh really? Then you better watch out; you, of all people, might be the one who would risk the lives of those children."
With that statement, Zula was confused, and she knew at that moment that something wasn't right.
Come to think of it, she accidentally overheard soldiers talking about a terrorist group operating in Salvania. With that thought, she suddenly got worried.
"Is there something going on I should know about?" Zula asked in a more serious tone.
Shane was about to answer when an officer ran towards her.
"Captain Shane, you are needed at the base."
Ryan said while running towards the two women.
"Coming right up!" Shane shouted.
"Better heed what I've said," she coldly told Zula before she ran off.
***
"Are you alright, Zula? Well, Captain Shane is quite intimidating and may treat you badly, but I can assure you that's just because she's jealous."
"Jealous of what?" Zula asked, confused.
"It's very obvious that Captain Shane has a great liking for the colonel, and of course, she won't let you off the hook because you seem to be getting closer to the man of her dreams." Ryan said it with a smile.
"Oh, I see. Anyway, she doesn't have to worry about it; I don't even have intentions or interest in these things."
"And the lieutenant colonel of all people? All I know about him is his name and rank."
Zula said, smiling at the silly thought of her and Drake being in some kind of romantic relationship.
"I don't understand women myself. In fact, Captain Shane may deny her love for Lt. Col. Drake or her jealousy for you, but she can't fool men's instincts," Ryan said, then chuckled.
"Oh, really, you guys are such gossip mongers. You must have something against Captain Shane for you to talk like that about her," Zula said, smiling.
Even Ryan can tell how beautiful Zula is, especially when she smiles. She's a natural.
"N-no, there's nothing, really. I just thought you should know."
Ryan immediately became defensive, which further confirmed Zula's suspicion that he might have some hard feelings towards his captain.
"By the way, where's your colonel? I've been meaning to talk to him."
"Oh right, he actually told me to inform you that he's coming over later; he's going to discuss something important." Ryan said with a teasing smile.
"Alright, but what's with that creepy smile?" Zula asked
"Nothing, see you later, Zula. Enjoy your date-I mean, your meeting with Lt.Col. Drake," Ryan said while running away-giggling.
Zula can't help but laugh at his naughtiness.
***
It's past 11 in the night, yet Zula is still laughing while watching. She's sitting on a sofa, facing her laptop. She wrapped herself in a thick green comforter while she put a bowl of popcorn on her lap and a bottle of wine on the wooden table just beside her. Immersed in whatever she was watching, she didn't hear that someone had just entered her house.
"Miss, Zula?" Drake was glad that Zula was still awake. What he's about to say is of great urgency, and he's worried that it's too late for him to visit.
He was so preoccupied with forming a plan of offense with his captains that he lost track of time. Upon finishing, he looked at his watch and was surprised that it was already past 11.
Still, he went to the house, hoping Zula was still awake. The lights were on, and Drake truly praised how she set up her camp because she equipped it with solar panels.
He knocked, and there was no answer. He called out for her, but there was still no answer. Until he opened the door slightly and saw her sitting on the sofa bed just near the kitchen. He then entered and closed the door.
"Tsk, if someone were to kill her, she'd easily be dead." He thought with a smirk on his face.
A part of him was happy to see her. As he got closer, he saw her laughing at whatever she was watching.
Though it was dark since it was already the peak of the night, he still felt like he was being blinded by the brightness of her smile.
The next thing he knew, he was watching every detail of her face. Her black arrow-shaped brows, her deep brown eyes that give off an innocent aura whenever she smiles, her long black lashes that make her stare daring and intimidating, her pale, thin cheeks, slightly pointed cheek bones, glossy red lips, and her white teeth that complement her beautiful smile-her face is so gorgeous, and her looks are on fire with her scarlet hair.
***
Zula suddenly felt strange, as if someone was watching her, so she immediately paused the video, put the popcorn on the table, and stood up. She put on her slippers and turned around towards the door, but she nearly died of shock when she saw Drake standing in front of her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I knocked, but no one answered. Sorry if I entered without permission." Drake said trying to explain himself. He really felt as if he was a pervert who had just entered a woman's house.
Zula is still frozen and speechless. Until she gradually regained her composure and gave him a faint smile.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you. I knocked, but no one answered, so I entered without permission." Drake said, trying to explain himself. He really felt as if he was a pervert who had just entered a woman's house.
Zula is still frozen and speechless. Until she gradually regained her composure and gave him a faint smile.
"I'm sorry, it's okay. I was just shocked. Come, have a seat," she said, pointing at her sofa.
"Wine? Anything?" Zula asked with a smile as Drake walked towards her.
"Yeah, anything warm would be great," he said.
Zula smiled and was about to walk past him when she tripped on the extension cord on the floor that she had used earlier to charge her laptop. As a result, she unconsciously held on to Drake's shoulders while he held her waist. It really seems as if they are hugging each other.
Drake lost the words to speak. He realized that she was thinner than she looked. He can feel her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her weight leaning towards him, her fragrance that feels as fresh as the morning dew, and her heart beating faster and louder.
"I guess it's from the shock earlier," he thought.
Zula is blushing and frozen. The masculinity that is holding her is something that feels comforting; it feels safe, and she felt warmth, as if everything would go fine.
She feels the peace that she has always yearned for-the peace that made her long to rest in those arms forever. She closed her eyes to savor the moment, and at those very seconds, Drake felt her need for security, a need that he felt she found in him.
Out of instinct, he gently held Zula's shoulder, and they'd been like that for about a minute.
"I'm sorry," Zula said when she finally had the courage to break free from that hug.
"No worries," Drake said with a gentle smile while staring deep within her eyes.
She was again hypnotized by his light blue eyes, which reflect the sky and manifest freedom.
"Why is everything about him so peaceful?" She thought.
She was enthralled by his eyes- the way he looks at her as if protruding her very soul.
Her heart was beating fast, so she immediately excused herself to make a cup of milk.
Drake, on the other hand, sat on the sofa, facing Zula's laptop.
When Zula was finally back, she sat beside him as she offered him the milk.
"Thank you," Drake said.
"Well, Ryan actually came here this afternoon and told me you were coming over." Zula said as she poured wine into her glass.
"Yeah, but I hope that isn't the reason why you stayed up this late." Drake said
"Well, I actually lost track of time while watching." Zula said as she looked at her laptop.
To her surprise, she paused the video exactly at the part where the two characters are naked in bed. She gasped and immediately folded her laptop as she looked at Drake, who was grinning while staring at her with a scandalous look.
"Watching what?" He asks with a grin on his face.
Drake saw how Zula's pale cheeks gradually turned red out of embarrassment.
"Oh my gosh, it's not what you think, Colonel."
Drake didn't say anything; he just stared at her intently.
"Hey, whatever you're thinking, I'm not watching something sexual, okay? I mean, yeah, there's an intimate part in that movie, but that's it; it never showed how it happened or what happened." Zula was defensive, which Drake finds cute.
" Whatt? I never said anything," he said while suppressing his laughter.
"Stop it," Zula said, and I can't even look directly into his eyes.
"Haha, fine, fine," he said while laughing, looking at how adorable Zula looks when she's embarrassed.
***
"Alright, let's just get to the point. The situation here is getting more and more dangerous. I'm concerned for the safety of the natives. If it's okay, I would be happy if you could accompany me tomorrow in the village."
Drake is not the type of person to ask for or request anything. Most of the time, he would command everyone.
In most cases, even if he's telling something declaratively, people-may it be soldiers or civilians-naturally provide for it. He is such a respectable soldier; he may not look like it, but he most certainly cares for his men and for every civilian wherever they are deployed.
However, when facing Zula, something unexplainable makes him naturally do everything with gentleness.
Zula noticed it as well. Drake is the lieutenant colonel with a dark aura and the temperament of a mafia boss. Ryan occasionally tells her about how strong, straightforward, and badass Drake is, so she never expected someone magnanimous to be this gentle.
"Sure, anything for their safety," she agreed.
"So, we go exactly after breakfast; is that alright?" He said this as he finished his drink.
Looking at his wrist watch, he noticed that it was already midnight. He never expected to stay there for more than 30 minutes.
"Sure, after breakfast."
"Okay then, I think I should go. Thanks for the milk." Drake said as he went toward the door.
"Have a good night" , Zula said as she followed him to see him out.
"You too," Drake replied.