[VD] 29: Katherine Isn’t Inside

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"Let's not tell Elena and the others about this yet," Jack said to Bonnie once everything had been discussed. "The outcome doesn't really affect them, but if they know too much and accidentally slip up in front of Anna, it could cause unnecessary trouble."

"Got it." Bonnie nodded, agreeing immediately.

"Mrs. Bennett, I'll see you next time. I've got other things to take care of," Jack said, giving Sheila a polite nod before leaving.

"All right, take care," Sheila replied with a warm smile.

After leaving the Bennetts' house, Jack drove to a nearby restaurant for dinner—only to see Anna walk straight up to his table.

"Hey, Jack." She slid into the seat across from him, greeting him casually.

"Anna? What a coincidence... or did you come here for me?" He skipped the small talk.

"I came for you. There's something I need to tell you," she said.

"Let me guess—it's about the tomb?" Jack asked.

Anna nodded. "Actually... Katherine isn't in the tomb. I saw her in 1983. She knows Damon and Stefan are here, but she doesn't care."

"...That's truly a surprise... Katherine, I really wanted to meet her."

"So there are only twenty-six vampires in the tomb," Jack muttered, immediately piecing it together. "You kept that secret so Damon would help you open it, didn't you?"

"Yes," Anna admitted without hesitation. "That was the reason before. But I'm telling you now because I know how much you hate Damon. And honestly, the best punishment for him is to see the truth with his own eyes."

Ah, so that was it—she was worried he'd back out of opening the tomb, so she offered him something personal, something cruel enough to make him want to drag Damon there himself.

Jack smirked. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. Don't worry, I'll make sure Damon walks right in and sees it all." He patted her on the head lightly, amused.

When she stayed seated, he asked, "That's all you wanted to say? You're not leaving?"

"Not really. I've got nothing else going on," Anna replied. "After you left, I told Elena and the others about the Grimoire. Turns out Emily's Grimoire was passed to one of Elena's ancestors. Once she finds her ancestor's diary, she'll know where the Grimoire is."

"Thanks for the heads-up. Well, while you've got time, go find your little boyfriend, Jeremy," Jack said with a teasing grin. "You two seemed pretty close the last time I saw you."

"He's not my boyfriend," Anna rolled her eyes. "His ancestor betrayed my mother. I only approached him to get the diary back. I've been guiding him, little by little, to uncover the vampire stuff himself. Once he finds the diary, I'll take it. Anyway, you free after dinner? Wanna walk around with me?"

"You know I'm not exactly a fan of vampires," Jack replied, leaning back. "And I just broke up, so... still recovering."

He understood what she was hinting at. Stefan had told him once that when humans become vampires, their emotions and desires explode—they turn hunger into desire, into obsession. That's why vampires were always so... physically forward. What might be mild attraction for a human could easily turn into something much more for a vampire.

Anna smirked. "From what I've heard, the reason was because of your immortality. But think about it—Stefan's a vampire, and Elena still loves him to death. Guess Caroline didn't love you that deeply after all."

"Not deep enough, huh?" Jack sighed. "You might have a point. Maybe the reason I got over her so fast is because I didn't love her that much either. Still, you and me only met three times, and they weren't exactly pleasant. So if you think I'm hung up on that, don't."

Anna chuckled softly, the corner of her lips curling. "Relax. It's just one time." She'd been watching him for a while—ever since she started plotting the tomb opening. Honestly, he was a good man. 

Jack nodded. "How about we grab a drink first?"

"Sure," Anna said with a sly smile.

After finishing their meal, they headed to the bar and ordered two drinks.

"So," Jack asked after taking a sip, "once you free your mom, what's next?"

"I'll see what my mom wants first," Anna said after a moment's thought. "We'll decide then."

"Hey, Jack!" Caroline's voice cut through the music. She'd come looking for Matt, but when she spotted Jack with Anna, she came over.

"Hey," Jack greeted, calm as ever.

"Is there something new with the plan?" Caroline asked, glancing between them suspiciously.

"Nothing about the tomb," Anna said before Jack could answer. "Just two single people having a chat."

"And we're heading out," Jack said, finishing the rest of his drink in one gulp.

"Uh, ok. See you later," Caroline said awkwardly.

Jack just nodded and left with Anna.

Back in the car, he asked, "So, where to next?"

Anna turned to him, a playful gleam in her eyes. "How about your place?"

He gave her a long look. "You were serious? Once you walk into my house, you might not get to leave so easily."

He said it teasingly, but his hesitation showed. Always talking big about being a bad guy, yet backing down when someone actually called his bluff.

"What, you think you'll eat me?" Anna bared her fangs slightly, grinning. "Maybe it'll be me eating you instead."

"Oh really?" Jack chuckled, revving the engine. "Guess we'll see about that."

The car sped toward his house.

...

"Come on in," Jack said once they arrived. Anna followed without hesitation.

"Make yourself comfortable," he said, closing the door behind her. "You want anything to eat?"

"Whatever's fine. Not really hungry right now," Anna said, slipping off her jacket and sitting on the couch.

Jack nodded, grabbed some snacks and two bottles of soda, and set them on the coffee table before sitting down beside her. He switched on the TV, the quiet hum filling the space as the night deepened.

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