Queen of hearts, p.1
Queen of Hearts, page 1
QUEEN OF HEARTS
A HIGH ROLLER OMEGAS NOVEL
SARAH BLUE
Copyright © 2024 by Sarah Blue
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Cover by - Everly Yours
Editing by - Geeky Good Edits
CONTENTS
Spotify Playlist
What is an Omegaverse?
Pronunciation Guide
Content
1. Elena
2. Elena
3. Elena
4. Elena
5. Cillian
6. Elena
7. Declan
8. Elena
9. Cillian
10. Elena
11. Declan
12. Elena
13. Cillian
14. Elena
15. Finn
16. Elena
17. Cillian
18. Elena
19. Lorcán
20. Elena
21. Declan
22. Cillian
23. Lorcán
24. Elena
25. Finn
26. Elena
27. Elena
28. Elena
29. Declan
30. Elena
31. Elena
32. Cillian
33. Elena
34. Lorcán
35. Finn
36. Declan
37. Cillian
38. Elena
39. Lorcán
40. Elena
41. Elena
42. Elena
43. Declan
44. Finn
45. Elena - Epilogue
Acknowledgments
Also by Sarah Blue
About the Author
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
Happiness is a butterfly - Lana Del Ray
Flawless - The Neighborhood
Devil in Paradise - Cruel Youth
Talking Body - Tove Lo
Panic Room - Au/Ra
Good For You - Selena Gomez, A$AP Rocky
Gangsta’s Paradise - Coolio, L.V.
Sex money feelings die - Lykke Li
Hate Me - Ellie Goulding, Juice WRLD
Nobody’s Home - Avril Lavigne
Heartless - The Weeknd
Body - Megan Thee Stallion
Desperado - Rihanna
Spectrum - Florence + The Machine
Mask Off - Future
RUNRUNRUN - Dutch Melrose
WHAT IS AN OMEGAVERSE?
An Omegaverse is an alternate universe where humans have a specific designation in a hierarchy based on their biology—-in my series they are not shifters. You are either an Alpha, Beta or an Omega. Your designation determines specific traits of your physiology and personality.
Alphas tend to be aggressive, they’re generally more dominant and hold positions of authority. Many Alphas form packs which increase their wealth and dominance. Alphas have a history of taking advantage of and abusing Omegas. Alphas who are assigned male at birth have a fleshy ring near the base of their penis that swells during intercourse called a knot. It allows them to “lock” into place with an Omega. While Omegas are the most physiologically compatible when it comes to taking an Alpha’s knot, Betas (or even Alphas) can take a knot with practice. Female Alphas have a lock that clenches around the penis and holds it inside, female Alphas and male Omegas are a great fit for this. Female Alphas can lock with other designations.
Betas are the closest to everyday humans. Their scent and sense of smell are not as strong as an Alpha or Omegas. They tend to be the most level-headed out of the designations.
Omegas tend to be the softest and most gentle of the designations. Generally, they do not hold positions of power, are homemakers or have positions in lower standing. Their scents are extremely arousing to Alphas. Out of all the designations, Omegas are the most likely to be abused or treated poorly. Alphas have the most opportunity to reproduce with Omegas.
Omegas go through heat cycles during which they are the most fertile. At this time they’re sensitive to light, noise, and scents. They require the comfort of a nest full of soft fabrics and textures. Their body requires a large amount of sexual stimulation during a heat cycle, and it can last for several days. If the Omega is with an Alpha, their Alpha or Alphas will do everything in their power to make sure they are cared for and comfortable during their heat. Going through a heat cycle as an unbonded Omega can be unsafe for their physical health and sometimes their safety.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Names
Cormac - Cor-mehk
Cian - Kee-an
Cillian - Kill-ee-an
Declan - Deck-lan
Eoin - Oh-in
Fionn - Fyun
Lorcán - Lor-kin
Maeve - Mayeev
Orla - Or-la
Rory - Raw-ree
Saoirse - Sur-shuh
Seamus - Shay-muss
Phrases/Words Irish
Mo stor - Mo-Store - My treasure
Deartháir - Dre-har - Brother
“Nách mór an diabhal thú,” - Aren’t you the devil
Mhaimeo - Grandma
Phrases/Words Italian
Stronzo - Stron-tso - Asshole
“Mangia merde e morte.” - Eat shit and die
Piccola - Pik-ko-la - My baby
Cucciolotto - Kootscho-o-lo - Little puppy
CONTENT
Welcome to Queen of Hearts, a why choose, mafia, omegaverse novel part of the High Roller Omegaverse shared world.
Please note that there are dark elements in this novel, while most of the romance is sweet, there are some moments where these guys are assholes.
For a full list of content warnings and graphic content, please visit my website.
Content Page - https://authorsarahblue.com/content-warnings/
To anyone who would spend a rich dude’s money without an ounce of guilt.
1
ELENA
Funerals are supposed to be rainy, cold, and gloomy.
Yet, the Nevada sun beats brutally against my black dress as I watch them lower my father into the ground. He wasn’t supposed to leave me so soon.
I sniffle, and my brother Anthony nudges my arm. His words from earlier ringing through my head. With pàpa gone, people are going to want to take our family down. We can’t show any weakness, Elena. Not even you.
Not even me, because I was Pàpa’s exception for everything. He wasn’t soft towards anyone, except for me. He didn’t break his rules for anyone, except for me. He would never break tradition for anyone, except for me.
Anthony always hated how differently we were raised. I was the light of my pàpa’s life, and Anthony’s purpose was always to take over the family business. Our father was hard on him, never showing Anthony how much he actually loved him. But he openly loved me, allowing me a lot of flexibility, considering I’m both an Omega and his only daughter.
He could have married me off. Any of the families in the country or internationally would happily trade me for an alliance. Yet, he didn’t. He let me go to the hospital for my heats to be sedated, to give me time, to give me a choice. My designation was just something I had to deal with, not who I was in his eyes. He always let me choose. And now he’s gone. And the feeling of having a choice has died with him.
“Go sit in the fucking car if you can’t pull yourself together,” Anthony angrily whispers in my ear, and it makes me cry even harder.
I’m strong, and while my pàpa made a lot of concessions for me, I was still a Don’s daughter. I’ve seen a lot of shit, been through a lot of shit. I wasn’t weak, but I still had emotions. Crying wasn’t weak, men just can’t fathom the concept of being vulnerable.
I swiftly move away from his side, making my way to the black sedan. Logan, my personal bodyguard for the evening, follows close behind me.
“You know he didn’t mean it, princess,” he says softly.
“Yes, he did,” I reply, and Logan looks away. We both know his reassurance was a lie. Anthony means every harsh word he says, we just have to deal with it.
Logan has been loyal to our family since he met Anthony and was brought into the fold a few years ago. It happened quickly, but he swiftly worked up the ranks in the Amante household, even if he finds himself on Omega duty far more often than I’m sure he would like. Though he doesn’t complain, he still doesn’t make a move like I wish he would.
While my brother has respect for him, Anthony sees Logan as a threat.
Logan is more handsome than Anthony, people like him more, and they respect him without Logan needing to be a completely heartless asshole. Although I’m not even sure if Logan is Italian—actually I’m pretty positive he isn’t. An outsider could never take over the family, but that doesn’t mean that one couldn’t burn it to the ground.
“I’m sorry, Elena,” Logan says as we approach the vehicle.
“He’s gone, Logan. He’s really gone,” I croak out.
Logan tugs the door open, and I funnel in, his large Alpha frame crowding in behind me. He tugs me against his chest, and I grab onto the lapels of his jacket, inhaling
I sob against his expensive suit as he cradles the back of my head, letting me cry it out. His large hand rubs circles on my back, and he just sits there, not judging me. He doesn’t tell me to suck it up or stop crying, he just lets me get out all this angry sadness I can no longer hold in.
He’s always there for me. Always my shoulder to cry on, the person I can tell things to. I wish it was more because he wanted me, not because he’s paid to look out for me. While the Alpha may touch me, scent mark me, and protect me, he’s never crossed that line.
God, do I wish he would.
“What am I going to do?” I ask Logan, resting my head against his chest.
“I’ll always take care of you. Always.”
“Don’t you want more than to just be my bodyguard for the rest of your life?” I ask, pulling away from his body.
Logan uses the pad of his thumbs to help me wipe at my makeup. His bright blue eyes look glossy with his own emotion as he gazes down at me. He’s so attractive, just the type of Alpha I’d always dreamed of. It’s probably so cliche and Sigmund Freud of me to want someone who was like my father—rough around the edges, but only soft for me, which Logan has always been.
I’ve seen him have to physically hurt people, seen how angry he can get when my safety is on the line. But when it’s just us? I feel cared for and cherished in a way I haven’t felt before. I just wish he felt the same. There’s no way in hell I’d ever be the first to make a move, and right now, when I’m wrapped in his comfort, I don’t understand why I’m not good enough.
“Let’s talk more later. Today has been a hard day,” Logan suggests, and I stare into his pretty eyes.
“It’s not going to be the same without him.”
“He was a great man. I’ll miss him too.”
Logan keeps rubbing my leg, and all I want to do is perch on his lap and sit there for hours while I wallow in misery. The worst part is, even if he doesn’t feel anything romantic towards me, he would let me. It always boils down to his Alpha instincts and wanting to protect me as an Omega.
“Go out there and show that prick how strong you really are,” he encourages, and it makes me smile.
“You probably shouldn’t call the new boss a prick.”
“You wouldn’t tell on me, would you, princess?”
I love it when he jokes with me, and the fact that we have secrets with one another. Logan knows everything about me. On the other hand, I have to pry details about his past from him, but he’ll give me a crumb every now and then.
“Your secrets are always safe with me.”
He looks at me adoringly, and maybe it’s years of him being at my side or wanting comfort during this time, but I cup his jaw and stare right back. All it would take for me to give in would be for him to lean forward and place his lips against mine—I’d fold for him immediately.
He grabs my wrist and moves my hand from his face. Of course, he does. Because I’m not supposed to be with someone like him, I’m supposed to be with someone in the life, someone considered suitable by my family.
I’m used to this life, surrounded by powerful men. I can’t imagine anything different. But who I love should still be on my terms. I refuse to be married off to the first pack who wants an alliance with my family. My life is my own and no one else's.
“We can talk about this later, okay?”
I look away and swallow, nodding my head.
“Do you want to go back to the service?” he asks, and I nod my head.
My hands run over my face to make sure I don’t look a mess, and Logan gives me a nod. The soft expression he gave me earlier is gone as his hard shell returns.
Of course, Logan would never cross the line of being anything more than a protector. It would be disrespectful to my family if he didn’t ask my father’s—brother’s—permission first. Not that it would be granted, why let me run away with a footsoldier when my Omega status can do so much more for the family?
He opens the door to the car, holding out an arm and helping me out of the vehicle as we head toward the proceedings once again.
“You’re brave and strong. Hold your head high and let everyone here know you’re still an Amante,” Logan whispers, his hand grazing my lower back before walking away to stand by my brother.
I don’t read into the small touch, but maybe I should. My bodyguard glances back at me with a fierce protectiveness in his eyes. Maybe I should tell him I’m attracted to him and have a serious crush? If he doesn’t reciprocate, they can take him off my detail so I don’t have to constantly scent him and stare at his pretty face.
I wrap my arms around myself, feeling uncomfortable standing on my own. The ceremony is over, but multiple people are standing around and speaking to one another. I’m not sure where I fit in now.
I was usually at my father’s side, his grand achievement, the daughter he loved to show off.
Now, I’m the sister of the newly appointed Don, who, without a question, views me as a problem to be dealt with. I’ve had moments where I felt lonely before; being a part of this family has always been a lonely existence. My options for friends have always been limited, but right now, I feel completely lost.
Who am I if I’m not Don Amante’s daughter?
I’m so lost in my own spiral that I hardly notice someone approaching me. She doesn’t face me when she speaks but stands at my side. She has on a simple black A-line dress and a black hat with dark netting covering her face.
She lights a cigarette, and I tilt my head to appraise her. It’s my father’s “friend”, Carmen. Apparently, once you hit a certain age, boyfriend and girlfriend become terms that are no longer used. I suppose they didn’t truly have a relationship, either. My pàpa bought her things, and she kept him happy. Which I always approved of. My pàpa was a shell of a man after my mother passed away. I don’t know the true nature of his and Carmen’s relationship, but the fact that she’s here shows that she cared for him to some degree.
She opens her clutch while holding her cigarette between two fingers and pulls out a single black card. It almost looks like a metallic playing card. It’s black and lined with red foil, and she hands it to me.
“If you find yourself in need of a new home,” she says calmly.
I take it, and she elbows me in the arm, a subtle way of telling me to hide it and to keep my mouth shut.
“Thank you,” I reply softly, not even having time to really read anything on the card.
“I loved your pàpa in the only way I could ever love someone. He expected to live quite longer, you know. He never anticipated Anthony would take over while you were still unbonded,” Carmen says, and I nod.
I never expected it either.
It’s not even like my father died because he was shot by a rival or got sent to prison. His heart simply gave out—a heart attack—something none of us saw coming; that’s what ripped him away from me.
“Being a woman in their world, especially an Omega, these men may make you feel like you don’t hold the power. But I promise you, sweet girl, you hold all the power within you. Never feel guilty for using your power to get what you want,” she encourages, raising the cigarette to her lips and walking away, alone, out of the cemetery.
My brother spots me from where he’s speaking to his consigliere before walking in my direction. Anthony and I don’t look that much alike. He took after our pápa with his dark hair and eyes and designating as an Alpha, just as my pàpa was. While I look like our mother did, blonde, bright blue eyes, and an Omega. Beyond our appearance, despite being family, there isn’t a closeness between us. If anything, it feels like we’re worlds apart. I’m not sure if I have our pàpa, or ourselves, to blame, but I know I’m regretting the distance between us at this moment.
Pàpa was my shield, the person who kept me safe. The way Anthony is treating me only proves that I only have myself to rely on moving forward.
“Let’s go,” he demands, grabbing my arm and ushering me towards the sedan so that the funeral procession can begin.
The wake is being held at our home, and at least I’ll have somewhere to hide if—God forbid—I feel a wink of fucking emotion over the passing of our father.
