urn:lj:scribbld.com:atom1:secretcrowdssecretcrowdssecretcrowdsthesloney@gmail.comsecretcrowds2009-05-31T10:52:44Zurn:lj:scribbld.com:atom1:secretcrowds:3807Lundy + Cole2009-05-31T10:52:44Z2009-05-31T10:52:44ZA few days after bringing Ryder down to meet Lundy and breaking things off with Ryder that night, Cole had found ways to occupy his mind and his time. He reconnected with Joslin, declaring him his mate and filled him in about meeting and falling in love with the beautiful Lundy. But Cole still felt a little alone at times when Joslin wasn't with him. And in those moments, he didn't want to be alone with his thoughts or his guilt.<br /><br />He'd gotten on the phone with Lundy a few times to see if she'd be interested in taking a trip to Seattle, to see how he lived. He really wanted to introduce her to his life, since she was so open and accepting of his life and really wanted to be a part of it. He'd driven up to see her and took her out to breakfast when he talked her into staying with him for a day or two. They were in the car, just outside of Seattle, near the Cold Water Flats.<br /><br />"I hope you like it. You know. In case you decide to move out here full time. In the future. Whenever." He was trying to downplay his anxiousness, but he couldn't help it. He just wanted her near to him. All the major elements and key players in his life, he wanted them close.urn:lj:scribbld.com:atom1:secretcrowds:3124cole + ryder2009-05-18T09:17:42Z2009-05-18T09:17:42ZThe drive back from Lundy's house to the condo in Seattle was long. Cole hadn't abandonned the house in Wolf Haven, but used it more for sanctuary and asylum on the weekends or when he needed to get away. With the new job at the University of Washington-Seattle, it was much more convenient and affordable to live on campus. And less likely for him to be followed to and from the Haven.<br /><br />But Ryder was home. And while that should have been a joyous occasion, Cole was more than worried that this new revlation was going to pose a threat to he and Ryder's relationship. He pulled into the garage and sighed. He watched as the door shut closed, but stayed in the car instead of getting out. His thoughts were reeling as his mind and stomach churned. He closed her eyes and breathed deeply, thinking of every word he'd say and each worst-case scenario. It had to be done, and it was to be left to fate now. Cole got out of his car, left the garage through the door and made his way up the back steps of the condo. With his key in the door, he took one last deep breath and pushed it open.<br /><br />"I'm home..."