Mated to the Earth Dragon (Elemental Mates 2)

“Oh, we haven’t... I mean, we aren’t yet, not really,” Autumn began, flushing as he kept staring at her.

If there was anything worse than being trapped with a fire dragon in a cave, then it was having to explain the details of her sex life to said fire dragon.

“Pity,” Braeden muttered, his eyes narrowing as he resolutely turned away and quickly strode back through the broken bars. He pressed his hands to the rock on the other side of the cell. For a long moment, he remained silent and motionless. Then, with a sound of frustration, he pulled back.

“No good. Maybe if I had my powers—but we can’t break through stone.”

“Like I said. We’ll have to wait. The dragon of earth will return and deal with them,” Ginny said quietly.

As if summoned by her words, another crack in the distance made the cave around them tremble.

Clenching her teeth to hold back the terrified sound that wanted to break free, Autumn took a step forward.

Was she just imagining it, or had the outline of the door become more visible?

It was definitely growing warmer. She’d dressed sensibly for the journey—but she wasn’t wearing her coat now, which Ginny was still carrying. Even so, she was so hot that she could feel her hair stick to her sweaty skin.

Autumn knelt and put her hand on the ground. The stone was warm.

Even if their enemy didn’t yet know where they were, they were definitely searching the right area.

And if they accidentally make this cave collapse on us, it won’t matter if they find us or not...

“This way,” Braeden hissed. “Hurry.”

He motioned for them to come past the broken bars, gesturing towards the smaller cave opening there.

With a suspicious look, Autumn followed.

It’s not like it can get much worse.

Ginny walked closely behind her. When they stepped into the smaller cave, they saw that it held a bed. Beyond it, another tiny cave opened up. It held a rudimentary bathroom—and there, in the corner opposite the small shower, was a ventilation shaft.

“Big enough for a mouse,” Autumn said quietly, her heart clenching in her chest as she looked at Ginny. “He’s right. Get out while you can.”

Ginny shook her head, glaring at the dragon shifter. “He’s wrong. There’s nothing I can do to help.”

“You don’t have to help. But you’ll be able to get away.” Autumn swallowing back her fear.

It was the right thing to do. Even if she couldn’t escape this trap, there was no need at all why Ginny should die here with them.

“I’m not going to abandon you when—” Ginny began.

“You’re not.” Braeden was pale, but his face was determined when he turned to Ginny. “You’re small. You know the tunnels here. You can escape them and go for help.”

Ginny silently shook her head again.

“Go,” Autumn said, then fell silent when from the larger cave beyond, an ominous crack echoed.

“They’ve found a fault in the stone they can use,” Braeden said. “Go!”

He jumped up and grabbed hold of the grating that was bolted to the ventilation shaft. He dangled from it for a heartbeat.

Autumn watched as his body tensed, his muscles straining against his shirt.

Then, with the screeching sound of metal tearing, the grating gave, and Braeden dropped back to the ground with it in his hand.

Ginny grabbed hold of Autumn’s arm. “I’ll go. But only to find Damon. I’ll send him back to you, as fast as I can.”