The Beast Lover's Anthology: Vol. 1 - Colby [Giant Bat Shifter x Reader] M/F

Part One

"He is really fucking hot."

"Mhm." I agreed, taking a sip of my Jack and Coke and drinking in the handsome profile of a dark-haired man sitting at the bar. "I think he's a vampire, though."

"What's wrong with vampires?"

"We live in Vermont, Mira. I want someone who can keep me warm at night."

"Okay, heat was invented for a reason." My best friend, Mirabelle, pouted. "I just wish you'd try something different. Every time you go for a shifter, you get your heart broken. It's infuriating."

"I know," I gave her an apologetic smile, speaking softly. "but that's my type. I like how warm and big they are. Plus, the sex is always phenomenal, and the cuddling is almost even better. Have you ever cuddled with a werewolf?"

"Yes, but it's overrated if they're all assholes. Seven foot and warm-bloodedness doesn't make up for a lacking personality." Mirabelle looked back at the sexy stranger. "Will you at least give him a shot? He's been stealing glances at you all night, and if I'm being honest, I think he's the hottest guy either of us has ever seen in our lives."

I chewed on my lip, my eyes finding his profile again. As Mirabelle had said, he stole a glance then, locking eyes with me. He graced me with a cute smile, and I noted how his eyes were two different colors - one ocean blue and one blood red.

"Okay, I'll give him a shot." I breathed, and I swear the subtle curve of his lips grew.

Right, vampires have ridiculously good senses. I reminded myself, growing embarrassed at the thought of him overhearing our conversation.

"Yea!" Mirabelle beamed, nearly knocking over her beer. "I'm so excited! Do you want me to go talk to him?"

"I think I can handle it," I spoke without breaking eye contact with him, feeling as if he was part of our conversation - as if I was talking to him instead. His gaze was warm as he leaned back in his seat, draping his arm across the back of the chair beside him in a wordless invitation that I accepted, my blood racing as I headed over to the bar.

"Hey," I gave him a small smile, sliding into the seat.

"Hey yourself," He grinned, big and cute like a little kid, and I swooned at the sight, finding his fanged smile breathtaking and absolutely adorable. "I was starting to think I didn't have a chance."

"Well, if I'm being honest, I've been waiting for another shifter to come through here." I looked away shyly, trying to hide the blush that flared across the bridge of my nose. "It's not that I have anything against vampires, I've just never been with one, and I'm not sure if I'd like it."

"I'd tell you don't knock it till you try it, but I'm not a vampire, and I've never been with one either."

"Wait, you're not?" I turned back, surprised. He laughed softly at my reaction, and my eyes flitted back to his sharp canine teeth - put on a heart-stopping display for the second time.

"No, I'm a shifter."

"... What kind?" I whispered, meeting his bi-colored eyes, both unimaginably curious and nearly speechless.

"The kind that's soft and more than capable of keeping you warm at night. As for the phenomenal sex, I'll let you be the judge of that if you decide you'd like to take things that far."

"You're not going to tell me?" I breathed, nervous and excited.

"Nope. You'll have to go on a date with me if you're that curious."