I padded through the woods, my massive paws thudding quietly on the ground.

I'd chosen to remain in my mountain lion form for two days now. The haunting memories came less frequently that way, when my mind was weaker- less humanity, too. Less ability to remember.

Sure, they still came sometimes, but I was happier in this form.

Always so much happier.

Free. Brent was finally free.

Free of pain, of struggles. His large but agile, lithe body soared through the air for one everlasting, beautiful moment before his paws struck his prey.

The deer was sent crashing to the ground as Brent's paws wrapped around it, teeth closing on it's throat. It lay still.

Brent settled to eat his meal, relaxing for the first time in days.

I shook my head, growling softly. Disoriented from my temporary distraction, I moved back slightly, eyes scanning the forest to see if I'd missed a threat. Snow puffed out under my paws. I didn't like it, it was too cold.

Brent finished his meal.

His paws thudded to the ground, finding it with ease. He tested the cool soil for just a moment, pressing on it, and then he was off again, snow flying up in his wake.

The wind sang in his ears, a beautiful melody. Scents danced in his nostrils, the cold wind combing through his fur.

He raced on and on and on…

I huffed again, frustrated with myself. No, Brent.

Cathy had never allowed me to get this distracted, another reason to love her. When she was gone, my world, my peace, my sanity, it all collapsed. My animal forms were the only way I could find peace.

As the thought struck the mountain lion, he shook his head slightly. Yes, he was a predator, with claws and teeth. But the animal melted away in the end, it always did.

He- I- was Brent Thomas Lee, the vampire shape-shifter hybrid from Georgia.

Recovering myself, I started the method that Cathy had taught me. I started with a list of basic things that I knew were true, working toward the more complicated.

I am Brent Thomas Lee. I was born in Georgia. My mother died of typhoid and my father died in the Civil War. I was in the Civil War and transformed into a vampire, becoming a hybrid of a vampire and a shape-shifter. Cathy is dead. It is best for her that she is dead… I am alone.

I looked up, feeling worse, but more alert and sure of myself, senses sharper.

I was alone, with the whispers of wind present to soothe me and keep me company. Good. That was the way I liked it.

Sighing, I stretched, my body ready to run, muscles strong and tireless. I shot through the forest, enjoying the crackle of snow under my paws and wind on my face.

I loved the freedom.