Chapter 40 : You're A Monster

**Aria POV

My torment under the thumb of Chris did not cease in the months that followed. He allowed me to return to work in order to keep up appearances and not cast any more suspicion on him, but when I returned to him at night, a new round of torture would begin.

He had discovered that no amount of bribery would tempt me, so he had resorted to mental and physical humiliation and abuse.

"This can all end, Aria," he taunted me, using his chains to squeeze and constrain me until I could barely breathe. "All you have to do is surrender and agree to be my mate, and I'll give you full control of your body back."

I spat in his face since that was about all I could move on my own, which earned me more punishment.

He kept a close eye on me when I was at the clinic. After all, like he had said, it would raise suspicions if I were to suddenly vanish altogether, and that would include abandoning my brand new practice. But all the while, two burly members of his pack would act as my 'b