SNOW AS ICE

Thick smoke filled the air. Charles stepped down from his trunk with his weapon. He designed to kill her. He grinned evilly as he walked to the destroyed. He was sure that they might likely not survive that blast but as a hunter, if the predator is not there to see its prey take its last prey. It is as though the prey is still alive.

Charles got to the car which had capsized to see Derrick unconscious,he was looking lifeless as blood gushed out from his head. He hissed and moved to the back seat to see that Snow wasn't there.

Charles was stunned and turned round to see her struggling on the floor. He smiled in victory to see its prey struggling. He walked to her and placed his feet on her back making her cry out in pain. His face showed that he was enjoying this.

Snow screamed despite the pain. He didn't stop and continued squeezing his feet on her back with full force. Charles wanted her to suffer before he killed her.

"Let me go, please!" She begged with her bloodied teeth and bruised face.

"Why would I? You are a monster and a monster must be wiped off. " Charles gnarled at her and kicked her with full force, sending her to the other side of the road, making her lose consciousness. Her body grazed the hard tar and she sustained many injuries .

Derrick came from behind and pounced on him. They both fell to the ground but Charles was having the upper hand, he pushed him away with his legs. Derrick lost his balance and fell to the ground. He passed out immediately.

Charles stood up and screamed out of frustration when he saw that he had sustained a head injury. He was so pissed and took out his gun to kill him off when he remembered the promises he made to his late wife. He must not kill a human.

"You are very lucky. " Charles gnashed his teeth and put the gun down. He turned to see that she wasn't there anymore, just her pool of blood . This made him alert and pulled out his gun. Looking everywhere for her.

He laughed wickedly and spoke in an annoying way that will pissed her off and let her guard down.

"Come out, you little monster. Let's talk. I know you are scared but I can help you but it is by taking that head of yours for my trophy!" He snickered and moved towards the bushes.

Charles proceeded to check the bushes around but she wasn't there. He was getting pissed by her stubbornness when he got a big scratch on his back which made him scream in pain.

He ran out of the bushes into the road bleeding. He started shooting at every range he got. Yelling in the process but she was nowhere to be found. He used the opportunity to run towards Derrick who was unconscious and bent down to point the gun on his face.

"I am gonna kill your father if you don't come out! " Charles yelled at the top of his voice. He was enjoying every bit of torture he was sending out with his deep and gruesome voice. He knew she would give in because of her father.

"I am going to count to 3, if you don't come out. Your father's death will be in your bloody hands!" Charles grunted in anger when he didn't see her presence. It was as if she had fled the scene.

"Abandoning your dad isn't a good thing. Did you know that your father almost abandoned you? He thought of you as a monster, an evil monster but I think he wanted to prove that he loves you regardless. But let's cut that bullshit . Even if he shows you care, deep down he will still see you as a monster!!" Charles taunted in spite. Snow felt terrible and couldn't move. She was badly hurt and hid behind some trees. She could still hear his voice from that far distance.

Charles started counting, releasing the trigger little by little because he knew that she would hear the clinking sound. He called out the second number but still no response or movement. Charles started having doubt of her returning to save her father but there was a tiny hope she would come.

Charles took a deep breath and called out the third number. Almost releasing the trigger at full maximum when he heard her voice. He smiled widely and put the gun in safe mode.

Snow was looking so rough and terrified. She shook shakily with her hands up in the air and her wounds were healing. Charles stood up and walked to her pointing the gun towards her.

"Let's go. You have me now. " Snow surrendered and bowed her head in defeat. If this was the only thing that could save her father, she would do it.

"Good girl. You won't be remembered and you will be forgotten. " Charles placed the gun close to her forehead. Snow shut her eyes tightly, trembling in fear. Hoping if someone or the police can save them.

A gunshot was heard afterward and the slumping of the body fell flat to the ground.

Snow opened her eyes slowly, her hands quivered and shook vigorously. She was shocked and almost lost her balance when she saw her killer shot at the forehead and bleeding out in front of her.

She tilted her head up to see her father staggeringly to her with his gun in his left hand. Snow lit up a teary smile and called out to him. He smiled faintly despite the pain he was feeling. Snow ran to him in tears and hugged him.

His legs couldn't carry his body and he fell on his knees still holding her tightly. He thought he was going to lose her. He couldn't imagine his life without her .

"Papa. You saved me. " She cried heavily, sobbing in his embrace.

"I will do anything to protect you. " He assured and fainted in her arms. Snow panicked and held onto him. His body slumped to the ground. Snow couldn't do anything but cried beside his body.

Just then , a big trunk drove by and stopped. A man came out of the trunk. He was bearded and a bit plump . He was tall and wore a brown pinafore with a white polo inside. His rugged boot walked towards them.His stern face made her tremble, thinking the worse wasn't over.

Snow was frightened and stood to protect her father with his gun . She gave him a glaring look and pointed it to him but if he wasn't careful, he would end up like her killer.

The stranger walked up to her and Snow yelled at him.

"Stop right there or I will shoot!"

The man ignored and moved further but she was quick with her hands and fired a shot at him though he missed. The force from the impact of the bullet made her shift back. The sound made her ear tingling slightly but she was still ready to protect her father.

"If you move an inch, I will blow your head off. So stay back!!" She yelled and the man understood that she was quite serious when he saw her eyes glowing an orange colour.

He raised his hands in the air and called her full name. Her eyes stopped glowing and she felt overpowered. He further put his left hand into his pocket and brought out a badge.

"You know this right? Your father has one. He called me this morning and I don't know if he told you. My name is Richard but he calls me Richie. " The man tried to explain,waving the badge at her.

"Uncle Richie?" Snow asked, remembering that he came to see her when she was little and when she celebrated her fifth birthday but he looked different to her now. He was skinny and tall but now he looked plump and bearded.

"Yes it is me, bones and flesh. I need to save your father. He is going to die if I don't save him. " He warned, seeing the pool of blood around his head region.

"How do I know that you aren't lying or you are here to kill me. " Snow panted in fear, pointing the gun at him. She turned to see her father slowly becoming pale.

"Snow, you can kill me later but we need to save him NOW!!!" He screamed at her and walked past her. He bent down and checked his pulse.

"His pulse is barely there. Let's move now!" He beckoned and pulled him up. Richard took him inside the trunk. Snow followed and entered then he drove off.

"What about him and our belongings?" Snow asked when he drove past the dead bodywork and their wrecked car.

"The clean up will be here soon. Don't worry, you are safe. " Richard replied to her. This made her mute and sat there, replaying all that had happened in her head.

They drove and entered a private road. They drove for some minutes and a big gate opened. They drove in and came into a big compound. Snow couldn't believe that he lived here.

Richard stopped the car and came down. A medical team was waiting for them and wheeled Derrick away. Snow wanted to follow them but he stopped her, assuring him that he was going to be fine. It took much convincing before she could let go.

"Where are we?" Snow asked nervously when they entered the big mansion.

"This is the citadel of peace. "Richard introduced proudly. Snow was stunned by the interior design and touched some of the artifacts with such care.

"You owned this place?" Snow asked when she saw the entire living room.

He stopped and turned to face her. His smiling face changed into a stern one that made her nervous, wondering if her question was inappropriate.

"Am I in danger?"Snow asked nervously but he laughed and returned to his smiling face.

"Unfortunately, No! This house belongs to Madam Rosa. She is the heir and leader of the Citadel of peace. " Richard introduced in a professional way when they heard a voice chuckling softly heading down the stairs.

"Richard, you know how to make me look like a drug baroness. You might scare the child thinking I am a human trafficker. " Rosa said in a Spanish accent and Richard laughed.

Snow was pleased by her confidence and her beauty . She couldn't stop staring at her. Rosa walked to her with a warm smile. Her black wavy hair, her white flowy gown that brought her lovely figure made her look ravishingly.

Her strong perfume hit her nostrils and Snow felt elated. This woman looked mysterious and smelt of riches.

"Hello Snow. " Rosa offered a warm shake. She kept on beaming a smile at her and this made her blush.

"Hi." Snow replied shyly. Her eyes couldn't meet her gaze. She was obviously shy and overwhelmed by her presence. Rosa noticed this and laughed softly. She turned and walked away lest the young girl might collapse from her presence.

"That presence you felt is power. You will come to understand some day. " She replied and ushered her to come upstairs with her.

Snow followed and was awed by the design on the walls. Her mouth slightly opened in the process. She hadn't been in this kind of place before. The designer must be given big accolades for this good work. She thought hard.

"You like this place?" Rosa asked. Snow nodded immediately. She felt safe around and this was something she can't do among any stranger.

"I know you might have gone through something terrible. I know you have questions. Deep questions about your existence. I think your father might have an answer to those questions…."

"But he lied to me. I feel like I have been a fool. I nearly killed that man. I could feel this rage running through my whole body. I felt like blowing that steam off. I had to control my will. I didn't want to be the monster he calls me." Snow bellowed in sadness. She was still confused about everything. Her existence, her origin and the real truth.

"You know, life can be mean and brutal . You are lucky to have Derrick as your father. He took care of you and still wants to protect you. Not because you are not his real daughter but because he loves you. Don't forget that. Not everyone can get that kind of love. " Rosa replied to her with a hint of sadness and regret. Snow could feel her sadness. It was about being sad but sensed the longing of the past within her. She kept mute and followed her until they walked to a door.

"This will be your room. Your dad is being taken care of. I will let you know when you can see him. " Rosa told her and opened the door. Snow was struck to the ground when she saw how big and magnificent her room was. It was much bigger than her former room.

"Thank you, Miss Rosa." Snow squealed in excitement. She giggled as she jumped. A typical teenager, Rosa thought and ushered her in. Snow walked into the room, taking in every delight. She was glad to be there.

Rosa smiled from the door and was glad that she was a strong girl despite her situation , she could still find joy in everything. Rosa couldn't believe that Derrick could take good care of her and this made her have a second thought about him.

"I will be going to check on your father. The maids are going to attend to you." Rosa mentioned and Snow ran after her.

"please can I see my dad now I won't make any sound. I just want him to be okay. Please!" Snow begged, pleading with her hands.

"Like I said before, I will tell you when to see him. He needs to be taken care of. Okay, you know what? Get refreshed, have a good meal and I will send Richard to come get you. How about that?" Rosa asked her with a genuine smile. Snow was cool with it and she nodded. Rosa locked the door and walked away.

Derrick woke up three days later. He was still groggy and couldn't decipher where he was. He regained his sanity and called out for his daughter. The nurses heard his voice and tried to hold him down. He fought them off and ran away from the room, running down the stairs. His vision was still blurry and he lost his balance and rolled down the stairs.

Derrick grunted in pain and stayed there because his head was still banging and he felt heavy from the drugs. He called for help and the nurses ran down to help him up. He pushed them off and staggered to the big door. He was looking for his daughter when the door opened wide and Snow ran inside. The look on his face made her cry in his arms. He bent to his knees and pulled her for a tight hug.

"papa. I missed you " Snow weeps in his embrace.

"I miss you so much. I thought something bad happened to you.I was worried to death. I am so sorry. " He apologised greatly and broke the hug to check her body for any scratches or injuries but found none.

"they healed up. " Snow told him and he was confused. He looked at her and looked at the entire place. It was different yet familiar until his eyes were set upon her.

"Rosa?" Derrick called, standing up because he was surprised to see her. Rosa walked in majestically and her aura filled the entire room.

"Derrick. " She confirmed. He was speechless and continued staring hard at her. Snow was puzzled by the effects she was having on her father. She knew for one thing that her father was hardcore and allergic to women. She figured out that they must have known each other in the past.

"But how? Why am I here? Where is Richard?" Derrick asked simultaneously. He was puzzled as to why she was here. He had called Richard not her. Not her.

"Richard is at the ranch. " Rosa replied and walked closer to them. He couldn't look at her and this made her grin hard.

"Long time no see Derrick Brooks. How long has it been since we last saw each other? Fifteen years is a very long time. I was puzzled when Richard told me you reached out to me. Then I thought you were bluffing until I saw you being brought here and you came with a child. Woow, a lot must have happened all these years right?" Rosa asked dryly with a hint of disdain. Snow stepped back sensing the hate in her voice.

"urm, Rosa, I can't thank you enough for saving my life and that of my daughter. I know I caused you some pain in the past and I am…" Derrick tried to explain.

"Some pain? Did you say some pain?" Rosa seethed at him and then realized that Snow was still there.

"Snow, can you excuse us? Your daddy and I have a lot of catching to do. " Rosa told her in a sarcastic way with her eyes never leaving him.

Snow hesitated but one look from Derrick assured her that everything was okay and she reluctantly left.

"So where were we? Huh?" Rosa said, taking a deep breath and exhaling sharply.

"Rosa, I can explain. I.." He muttered because he couldn't explain the fact he left her when she needed him the most.

"Explain what? How would you explain to the world that you left your bride at the fucking damn ALTAR!!!" Rosa screamed at him. Derrick was speechless and couldn't say anything. He knew that he was at fault and being sorry couldn't justify anything.

"I couldn't do it. I was in a mess then. I didn't know what I wanted and I couldn't take that part from you. You were beautiful, nice and you had dreams but I was just a fucking forest ranger who lost his mom and my life wasn't really great then. I am sorry. " Derrick explained,feeling guilty. He sat down on a chair because he was still feeling dizzy. Rosa felt bad and reduced her voice because she was still angry.

"But I was there for you. I didn't care about all that. I was always there for you. You left me there, to be the mockery of my father. You know who he was, he wanted to prove to me that love didn't matter except power. I fought for us and I thought I was going to win at the end but you left me, empty and void. You broke my heart. I searched for you but it seems you never wanted to be found. Don't I mean something to you?" Rosa asked with tears streaming down her eyes.

"Rosa, I am sorry. I know nothing I can do will change anything. I have hurt you and took something you cherished from you. I can't give it back. I was a fool then, selfish was the word I would say. Please forgive me. I couldn't bring myself to apologise to you. " Derrick sobbed. Rosa ignored him and walked outside before she slowly fell for him.

Derrick wept for some time and walked outside to see Snow sitting quietly by the garden. He heaved a sigh when she saw that she was out of harm.

Snow sighted him and beamed a weak smile at her, noticing his puffy eyes from the crying earlier. He walked over and sat beside her.

"My baby." He called softly, reaching out for her hands but Snow withdrew. He understood it and sat back. Snow was still angry for lying to her.

"I didn't lie intentionally . I wanted to protect you. I thought keeping the truth from you would protect you.." Derrick tried to explain but she cut him off in anger.

"Protect me? You lied to me. You lied about my existence . You told me you adopted me because my mother died in an accident. I believed you and now I am a werewolf?" Snow snapped .

"Who told you that? You aren't a werewolf . Don't believe those lies. You are my daughter and nothing can change it. " Derrick assured her, trying to hold her hands but she flung hers away .

"Stop lying to me! I saw it for myself. I brought out claws from my hands. I healed quickly. I feel this rage overwhelming me . I can hear far and my sense of smell is great . " Snow started in anger. Derrick assured her that they were going to fix it.

"I am not a machine to be fixed! I just want the whole truth. Who are my parents? Where did I come from? I need to know!" Snow asked, tears streaming down from her eyes. Derrick couldn't say much. He couldn't still say anything and Snow was stunned by his silence and angrily walked away.