The Alpha's Rejected Mate novel Happy Birthday!

"Good morning, my princess. A happy birthday to you!" As Scarlett O'Hara walked down the stairs, her father said to her.

Her long, red hair was bouncing behind her as she ran joyfully toward the dining table. It was her birthday and a birthday girl needs to be happy on her special day. Well, Scarlett was very happy. She has always looked forward to turning 18 years old. Now that she's an adult, she'd finally be able to do whatever she wants. She'll also finally get to spend the day with her father before he departs on another trip.

Scarlett was wearing a Lakers jersey, black skinny jeans and white sneakers that her best friends Cornelia and Avery had given her just yesterday after school was over as a birthday present.

"Thank you, daddy." She approached her father and kissed him on both cheeks before sitting down between her two sisters, Mia and Isabella.

"Happy birthday, Scarlett." Both of her sisters and mother said.

"Thank you all for remembering my birthday." While she waited for the food to arrive, she remarked in jest while curving her lips into a smile.

"Hon, we'll never forget your birthday," said her mother.

Scarlett couldn't take her eyes off of her father and they both started laughing. She was ecstatic just thinking about it being D-day she had always looked forward to. She has wished since she was twelve that her father would take her to the basketball game she has always wanted to see. Now that she is 18 today, she will finally get to go. 

She was a miniature version of her father, loving everything he loved and her siblings were always jealous of her because she always had to be the one to spend time with him.

"You look so happy, hon. What has your father promised you this time?" When Scarlett and her father's laughter increased, Scarlett's mother questioned.

Scarlett spun the table for the food to get to her and when the food finally got to her side, she began to serve it onto her plate.

When she was finished, she leaned her elbows against the table and put her hands on her chin before turning to face her mother. "That's a secret between Dad and me. Mom, you don't need to know." Scarlett rolled her eyes, returned her attention to her food and started to eat.

"October." Scarlett's father drew her mother's attention. "You really don't need to know what Scarlett and I have planned for today," 

"Really? Is keeping secrets from your family now acceptable?" With her hands clasped across her chest, October questioned. "Edward, do you realize that Scarlett is not our only child? The other girls don't want to hang out with you because of you. And it's been this way ever since Scarlett started taking pleasure in everything you do." October added. 

"I don't think it's his fault just because I like everything he does. Belly and Mia don't appear to be interested in the things that Daddy likes, but I am. That is why he favors me the most."

"Scarlett, calm down and you too, October. This doesn't need to turn into a fight between you two because I love all of you girls."

The oldest child, Isabella, who had been remaining silent ever since the argument began, looked at Scarlett with a frown and then spoke. "Scarlett, don't be rude to mom. This is something you always do. Just once, make a change. You are an adult now that you are 18; stop acting childish."

Scarlett returned her focus to her meal. She no longer has an appetite, but she is reluctant to leave the table while everyone is still eating for fear of upsetting her father. She hated her mother and Scarlett and October have fought in the past over unimportant things.

Just two days ago, the two of them argued over whether Scarlett should plan a party or not. Scarlett had stated unequivocally to October that she was opposed to a party. She only wanted to go out with her father, but October kept insisting that since she is already 18, she should throw a party.

"I think I agree with Belly this time." The youngest, Mia, spoke, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Don't get me wrong, but Scarlett and Mom fight every time they get the chance."

"And who asked for your opinion, Mia?" Scarlett asked. Her brows furrowed as she darkly gazed at Mia. 

"All I need to say is that I am aware of Daddy's promise to Scarlett." She turned her attention away from Scarlett and toward October.

Belly and October grew curious about Mia's viewpoint. "And, Hon, what did he promise her? A car?" October asked.

Mia shook her head. "No mummy. You must give me $100 right away if you want me to speak."

October grinned. "That's no issue, dear. You'll get it after breakfast, I promise. Actually, I will double the payments." 

"Now you are talking, mom."

Edward rolled his eyes. "I find it unbelievable that you are spoiling Mia just so you can find out what I promised Scarlett. This is so not you, October."

"Well, Edward. You left me no choice." October said to Edward before returning her attention to Mia. "Go on, sweetie." 

Scarlett was scowling and irate from where she was sitting. Scarlett's conversations are particularly vulnerable to Mia's constant listening in. Scarlett's conversations with her closest friends and the boys at school are never safe from Mia's eavesdropping, which she eventually divulges to October to get more money.