A/N: So we sorta met Katherine? I think it went well. Therapeutic. We're finally out of 2x03! 2x04 probably won't take as long just because this was mainly a flashback episode to begin with. But I do think there will be another Damon and Sabrina interaction. So we'll see how that goes. Sooo, how do you guys feel about werewolves?

Songs for this chapter:

"House of the Rising Sun" by Lauren O'Connell

"Burned" by Grace VanderWaal

"The Tower" by Flannel Graph

Chapter Sixteen: "Call Me a Hairstylist, Then"

-O-

Sabrina slammed a fist full of dark curly hair with a partial scalp attached down in front of Stefan. Next to him, Elena looked ready to gag.

"The hell do you call this?"

Stefan quirked a brow, finishing his long drink of soda. "Hmm. Looks like an interesting story to me,"

Hesitantly, Elena poked the mass with her finger. She looked around the crowded Grill. "Is that hair?"

Sabrina snapped her fingers rapidly, "Yes, hello. Keep up. That's already been established," she tapped her fingers on the tabletop as waitstaff brushed past her. Reyna stood a few paces behind her at the bar, ordering a couple of drinks from Matt, who cocked his head with a bemused smile at whatever Reyna was telling him.

Sabrina continued, "I wanna know why Katherine Pierce was at my house. Not only at my house. In my house,"

Stefan sat up straighter. He cleared his throat. "Sit down, Sabrina,"

Her eyes widened in askance. "Oh. So now you care about what happens to her?"

Stefan's eyes flashed. "Caroline is my friend too,"

Sabrina shook her head, a wave of dry anger cementing her expression. "No, no. You don't get to say that when it's just convenient for you,"

Her footing slid when Reyna hip-checked her. "What up?" She said taking a sip of her drink. She nodded at Elena and Stefan. "She's in a good mood today, isn't she?"

Stefan gave a tight smile. "Marvelous,"

Sabrina straightened herself, sniffing Reyna's drink. "Is that…rum? It's 11:30 in the morning,"

"Rum and Coke," Reyna shrugged. "Yeah, I got one for you too. It's good for your immune system." She said, ignoring how Stefan and Elena shared a look. "Sit down,"

Sabrina sighed before sliding into the opposite side of the booth with Reyna following after her. She frowned, taking a wary sniff of the drink Reyna passed to her. Reyna grimaced at the mass of hair on the table. "Did you have to get that rat out of your bag? It's a restaurant, man,"

"I'm making a point," she said tartly before complying stuffing the hair back into her purse.

"Just for the record," Reyna said gesturing with her glass. "I didn't wanna be here in the first place,"

Stefan lifted a brow, "Noted,"

"Ok, someone," Sabrina said looking between the two of them, "needs to tell me right now why your psycho ex-girlfriend and your lookalike decided to pay me a visit late last night. I'm exhausted so I wouldn't suggest lying to me right now,"

Reyna tipped the bottom of her glass toward Sabrina. "Take a sip, bro,"

She angrily tipped her straw into the glass, taking a sip, ignoring the warm burning mix of the rum and Coke. "This is disgusting,"

"Just keep drinking," Reyna said. She smiled at the waitress who brought Stefan and Elena's order. "I would tell her what she wants to know before she gets really irritated," she swiped a fry from Elena's plate.

"Caroline says she was trying to get information from her. Like she was expecting her to just do what she wanted. Like a form of compulsion," Sabrina crossed her arms, leaning back against the seat. "So I'm listening,"

Stefan leaned forward, pushing his plate back with a frown. "Like compulsion?"

Sabrina nodded, "That's what she said. Like a pull, but not strong enough to work,"

He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Sire bond,"

"Explain,"

Elena's brow drew together, "Yeah," she said. "I've never heard of this either,"

His soft smile to Elena turned warm, understanding. "It happens in rare cases when a vampire is turned. So the person who does the turning is the sire. Sometimes, a new vampire can be susceptible to like a mental interference almost. More easily persuaded to do what the sire asks,"

Sabrina's nails rapped against the tabletop, and Stefan's eyes closely followed the motion. "What could she use this 'sire bond' to do to Caroline? She's already killed her. What else could she want?"

"Katherine's three steps ahead, always has been. Caroline needs something she can't get right now,"

Elena interlaced their fingers, rubbing his shoulder with hers when he spoke. Reyna rolled her eyes over her rum and Coke. She sent Sabrina a text,

'I would rather die alone as a destitute alcoholic,'

Sabrina cleared her throat, ignoring her vibrating phone. "And what is it can she not get herself? She's made it pretty clear about her capabilities,"

Stefan shrugged, "Information. Personal strife. All Katherine specialties,"

"Those are Mystic Falls specialties, my dude. Kitty cat is behind on the times, it seems," Reyna said, downing half her drink in one swig. Elena grimaced at Reyna's belch.

"We need to talk to Caroline about what she said exactly,"

"From what I understand, not much was able to said before Sabrina aka the Green Goblin literally attempted to rip her face off," Reyna said, stirring her drink. "Got a good chunk of her head anyway. How long do you think that'll take to grow back,"

Stefan smirked before he regained himself.

"Caroline mentioned something about her wanting Lockwood and some kind of rock,"

"You're sure she said Lockwood?"

Sabrina nodded, "Yeah, why? Have you heard something?"

"Mason Lockwood breezed into town a few days ago. There have been some…questionable events,"

Reyna's interest turned to seriousness as she asked, "What do you mean by questionable events?"

Elena gripped his arm, "You should tell them, Stefan. Maybe they can help,"

"He's displayed some abilities beyond natural explanation,"

"Vampire?" Sabrina asked.

Stefan shook his head. "No. Totally alive. Believe me, we checked the night of the carnival,"

"So what then?" Sabrina looked at Reyna, who stared critically at Stefan.

Reyna leaned forward overtop her drink. Her brows drew together, abnormally serious. "You think he's a werewolf, don't you?"

Sabrina balked, "That was an option?"

Reyna shrugged, "You'd be surprised,"

"We—," Elena said, "are trying to figure out why any of these people have decided to turn up here, but it all coincides with Katherine. We need your help,"

Stefan's gaze whirled to his girlfriend. "I don't think that's a good idea, Elena,"

"No, Stefan. They want what's best. Just like us. They're looking for answers. Just like us,"

The first reasonable thing said all day, Sabrina thought.

"You should come to the barbecue tomorrow," at their questioning looks, Elena continued, "Jenna's having a barbecue tomorrow to welcome Mason back to town. They went out in high school. This could be our one good shot to find out what's going on,"

"And it wouldn't be strange that two twenty-somethings show up to your house,"

"Not if—,"

Sabrina interrupted, "Not if we bring Caroline." She looked at Reyna, begging for other ideas. "There has to be another way,"

"Not one this late in the game,"

She hung her head for a moment before looking up, "Alright," she said, and Elena smiled. "What time?"

"I'll send everything to Caroline,"

"Ok, so we've helped you," Stefan met Sabrina's gaze. "My turn for a question,"

"Ok?"

"What exactly are the two of you?"

"Jewish," Reyna deadpanned. Sabrina chuckled behind her hand. She motioned to Sabrina. "Well, I am anyway. We really don't know about this one. Found her on a doorstep outside of Milwaukee,"

"Ha-ha. Very funny. I'm being serious. I would like to know exactly what I'm dealing with besides werewolves in this town,"

"Well, we're not against you, Braveheart,"

"So what are you?" He said, impatient.

"Some people trying to make sure this doesn't turn into a bigger shitshow than it needs to be, but somehow, I have a feeling you'll figure out a way,"

"Not a vampire, a werewolf, a witch," he listed.

"You ever read the Tanakh?" Reyna's eyes flashed a glittering gold in the fluorescent light, impatience getting the better of her. The implication of stupidity never sat well with Reyna. "The West really fails people most days, doesn't it? The world isn't as small as you and your brother would like to think it is. It's never been any less than an eternity of darkness and endless magic that doesn't always come from the ancestors above. I know it feels safer, more secure to think there's only me and mine in the world. But if there's anything history's taught is that forewarned is forearmed. I would use that critical thinking brow of yours to figure some of this crap out,"

Pride burst in Sabrina's chest. She slid out of the booth. She shook her head, somewhat fondly, "C'mon. Let's go, Reyna,"

Reyna downed the remainder of her drink, then Sabrina's. "Coming!"

-O-

"Well," Reyna sighed. "That was…useless," she said, leaning against the wall as Sabrina hunted for her house keys in her bag.

"They know something they're not telling us,"

"Obviously. We've become another antagonist in their little schtick. If it wasn't so annoying, it might be cute. I wish more people were Jewish. We might not have to talk about so many feelings,"

"We have to tell Caroline," Sabrina said. "About the little invitation,"

"It might not be as bad as you think. I mean we thought American Horror Story would suck when it first came out, but Sarah Paulson totally pulled it out of nowhere," she looked over her shoulder, glaring at the nest of birds above the porch. "Can we just get rid of these? It sounds like freaking Snow White out here,"

She pushed the key into the door, "If Peanut has anything to go with it, they'll be dinner,"

"Who the hell's Peanut?" Reyna followed Sabrina's eye line to the black cat sitting on the porch swing staring at the birds' nest. "Oh. Ok, right on. When did you get a cat?"

"Umm. I didn't. I just showed up. It seems nice though. I think it's a neighbor's," Sabrina opened the door, expecting to push away boxes, debris from the fight the night before. She expected her home full of chaos, but unpacking fell low on the list of priorities. When the door opened with no resistance, Sabrina furrowed her brow, holding her carryout box of fries and a bacon cheeseburger that she brought for Caroline. "What happened?"

The house was spotless— not a moving box in sight. In fact, the house was more than spotless. All decor had been placed immaculately through the house; pictures, knickknacks, quilts, and books strewn across the house in effortless bohemian elegance. The couch and armchairs were rearranged, angled parallel with antique tables cornered in between them. In the opening between the kitchen and living room, a beautiful ivy vine crawled, set within a bronze vase that Sabrina recognized as her grandmother's.

Tim hung upside down on the couch with an arm over his eyes. "Caroline happened,"

"Tim? What're you doing here?"

Miriam poked her head out of the kitchen next. "We haven't seen the place since you moved in. Why didn't you tell us you needed help unpacking? It was terrible in here,"

"Well, that might also be because of the doppelgänger from hell entrance last night, ma,"

Miriam tutted, "Oh, that's right,"

Sabrina dropped her keys onto the entry table. She jumped at the unexpected metallic clang. The brass elephant bowl she got on a college trip to India lay next to a framed picture of herself and Caroline. Her eyes widened; she shook her head, forcing herself out of a stupor.

She reached blindly for Reyna who kicked her boots off at the door. "This is real, right? Not a hallucination?"

"I guess Caroline got bored," Reyna looked around briefly before weaving around Sabrina, "Hold on, I gotta pee,"

Tim sniffed the air, eyes still closed. "Are those cheese fries?"

Sabrina gently shook the box, and his eyes popped open. "Yeah, but you'll have to fight Caroline for them,"

A wildness shook through the young teen's expression, "I would fight a rabid raccoon for a half a bagel right now,"

She handed the box over without a fight before she sat next to him. He pulled himself upright, opening the box, miming an angel's song before digging in. She asked, "How long did this even take, Timmy? You guys even broke the boxes down? We only went to the library then to the grill,"

Around a mouthful of fries, he said, "I dunno. However long you guys were gone, I guess. She called us after you left. She hasn't moved for a passable human speed for two hours,"

"And where is the tyrant now?"

"Probably putting the finishing touches on her room," Miriam answered instead.

A smile tipped the edges of her lips, "Her room, huh?"

"Her words, not mine." Miriam sat in the armchair across from Sabrina. "But I thought you would appreciate it anyway,"

Sabrina leaned forward, "Hey, have you heard her talking to Liz at all?"

Miriam shook her head. "No. What's worse? I haven't heard Caroline's phone ring either,"

Sabrina's smile was mirthless, "Y'know, I wish I could say I was surprised,"

"She never liked me," Miriam said, wearing it across her skin like a badge of honor.

"I know," she snorted. "I think she was just jealous,"

Miriam pushed a curl back underneath her headscarf. "Mine is a life of glamor and prestige,"

"No, I'm serious. She was always jealous of the relationship you kept with all us kids,"

Miriam grew a bit more serious, "She could have had that too,"

Sabrina settled back against the couch, running her fingers down a blue crocheted blanket. "Yeah, she could've,"

A stampede of footsteps trampled down the wood stairs. "So what do you think about—?" She spotted Sabrina, and her mouth dropped into a pout. She dropped her drapes of fabric onto the floor with a huff. "Oh, c'mon! I wanted to do a big reveal, guys! Like they do on HGTV," She rounded on Tim. "And you! You were supposed to be on guard duty,"

He barely looked up from his fries. "Cheese fries. Hello. Cheese fries,"

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You totally bailed. Regardless of cheese fries,"

Reyna reemerged from Sabrina's bathroom. "Ohh, Are those the cheese fries?"

Tim held the box close to his chest, hissing, "Don't even think about it, Reyna,"

Reyna sat in the chair next to her mom, "Someone's feeling pissy,"

Caroline looked expectantly at Sabrina, tapping her foot against the ground. "Well?" She motioned around them. "Anything to say that's reaction worthy?"

Sabrina pushed herself to her feet, looking around the room, feeling tension leaving her shoulders. "It's amazing, Care. I'm sorry you missed my speechlessness. I thought Miriam did a cleaning spell thing,"

Miriam snorted, "Oh if only that were a thing,"

"I can't tell you how much stress this takes off me. I think I could actually relax in the house now,"

Caroline tried hiding how truly pleased she was with a well-timed hair flip. "Yeah, well, you certainly have no inkling about interior design,"

She humored her with a nod, "Completely true,"

Caroline captured her arm, telling her they would be taking a tour. The pair walked through each room as Caroline gave a detailed explanation of her design and organizational choices, expecting the appropriate praise for each area. She also informed her that Sabrina's new bed frame would be delivered by Friday.

"But the company said it would be at least three more weeks?" Sabrina said.

From the couch, Tim interjected, "Like you're going to tell her no after she's been yelling for thirty minutes?"

Sabrina gave a half-shrug. "Yeah, ok. That's fair,"

"Also, question?" Caroline propped her hands on her hips.

Sabrina mirrored her. "Answer,"

"How do you feel about repainting my room upstairs?"

Her eyebrows rose. "Uhm. Depends. It's not hot pink, is it?"

Caroline's face scrunched in disgust. "Eww. Gross. Of course not. I'm not twelve,"

"Then, I'm amenable to it. As long as I don't have to do the painting,"

Caroline considered before shaking Sabrina's offered hand. "Acceptable,"

"Pushover," Reyna coughed.

"Wait, some papers got dropped off today. We signed off for you," Caroline's eyes darted to Tim. "Where'd you put them?"

He let her accusatory tone slide off his back as he downed the last of the cheese fries. "Dining table,"

"Ok," Miriam leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, while Caroline went to the dining table. "So I feel like I have been patient for the last several hours, but I would appreciate someone telling me exactly what happened last night,"

Reyna's brow rose as she whistled lowly. "Ooh, boy,"

"A vampire got into the house last night. Which, trust me, I also have questions about," Sabrina wove around the couch, plopping down in the armchair with Reyna, who huffed before scooting over. "That's not exactly the only concern,"

"Hmm. Ok? And?" Miriam said, turning in her chair to look at her daughter and daughter's friend. She motioned impatiently.

Reyna's head leaned against her hand. "Please tell her before she implodes,"

Sabrina looked behind her to Caroline digging through a stack of mail and folders. She whispered, "It was the vampire that turned Caroline,"

From across the room, Caroline said, still searching through papers, "I can hear you,"

"I'm trying to be sensitive,"

Sabrina had never seen Miriam's blood pressure rise so quickly. The tips of her ears reddened while blotches sprung onto her neck.

She ordered, "Explain quickly. Now,"

Caroline tossed the files onto Sabrina's lap. "Here it is," she said before sitting next to Tim on the couch who went red-faced for other reasons. "Are those cheese fries?"

She didn't bother looking as Reyna stole them from her, opening the yellow manilla envelope, and pouring the clipped papers into her hands. "I don't even know how Katherine found her here. No one knew she was here. No one,"

While reading, Reyna said, "The younger Salvatore mentioned something about a sire bond,"

Caroline's head jerked up from where she was picking through the cheese fries, "You saw Stefan?"

Miriam interrupted, "A sire bond? Those are incredibly rare. One either has to be an old vampire…or a couple with a strong bond already,"

Caroline snorted, "I can tell you for sure that it was not the latter,"

Miriam motioned with her head to Caroline. "It wouldn't have worked anyway. Not with that ring,"

Caroline frowned, lifting her hand, scrutinizing the lapis lazuli.

Sabrina asked, "Why? Why not?"

"I added an extra to the daylight spell. It doesn't allow any form of compulsion or mind control to the wearer,"

For a moment, Caroline's face softened in gratitude. "You did that for me?"

Miriam gave a crooked grin. "Course I did. Should've charged extra,"

Caroline matched her smile before turning in determination to Tim. "You gonna share or what?"

Tim's face fell when he realized he would have to choose between his love of fries and Caroline. He mournfully offered the take-out box, sighing, "Ok…"

She took a handful, saying around a mouthful, "Thank you,"

His cheeks went a bit pink. He flopped back against the couch. "Whatever,"

"I want to know why she came here," Sabrina said.

"I feel learning how she came in here would be a better thing to know first. Vampires have to be invited, remember?"

Sabrina said hotly, "I sure as hell didn't invite her in. And I'm the only one who could have,"

"Cool it, fish breath," Reyna pulled at Sabrina's shoulders when her friend leaned forward. Sabrina settled against the chair, a hard tension lining her shoulders. "That's not what the dotted line says,"

Her fangs burned in her mouth. A few tendrils came loose from her French braid as she whipped her head around. Reyna held up a file set. Her grandmother's estate lawyer's header ran across the top of the letter. She grabbed the paper, breathing in the heavy grain of the ink and paper. Her eyes ran over the lines of the document, lips mouthing the words as she read.

'Ms. Forbes, please find the finalized documentation for your ownership of your grandmother's (Rose Lynette Forbes nee Ramsey) estate and belongings. Read through the documented list of belongings for the next year's tax returns. As soon as this reaches you, return a copy signed to send to the town hall for permanent ownership transfer,'

"Ownership transfer? What—?" She turned to the next page. A legal deed for the house came into view. "You have got to be kidding me?" She looked up outraged. "A clerical error? Are they freaking serious!? A million-year-old vampire came into my house because of a clerical error!"

Sabrina tried to leap to her feet, but Reyna grabbed her by the waist, pulling her back down again. Her eyes flashed. She growled, "Let me up,"

Reyna gave a sideways glare. "Not when you look that hungry. I've learned that lesson, thanks,"

"I'm going to get a pen,"

Miriam's tone was thoughtful as she rose from her own chair, taking the papers from Sabrina's hand before she accidentally shredded them. She flipped through the pages. "We need to do a ward spell before. We might even be able to track her if she doesn't have a witch in her pocket. Caroline, I need to go upstairs to see if she left anything behind,"

Reyna and Caroline both turned to Sabrina. Reyna bumped Sabrina's shoulder. "Well, show her your great prize, warrior mother,"

Sabrina huffed before leaning over the chair, groping for her bag on the floor. Her hand dipped into her purse, retrieving a ziplock bag of hair and scalp. Tim gagged while Sabrina asked, "Will this work?"