Don't get a Lockwood angry. You won't like them when they're angry. In The Vampire Dairies' September 9 premiere, Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino) is surprised to see his long-absent, black sheep of the family Uncle Mason (Taylor Kinney) turn up for the funeral of his dad, the mayor. But a bigger surprise comes when Mason drops the bomb that werewolfism runs in the Lockwood bloodline!

Want more Vampire Diaries exclusives? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

"Mason has learned to harness his rage and is going to serve as a mentor to Tyler," says Taylor. "I've come to teach Tyler that there are choices he can make to control his destiny as a human...or otherwise."

Nina Dobrev (Elena/Katherine) adds, "Taylor's been adjusting really well. I don't envy when new people come [on set] because we've all already created this family bond, but everyone's really accepted him." The same won't hold true in Mystic Falls, reveals Ian Somerhalder (Damon). "Mason's a really nice guy, but Damon makes it difficult for him to be nice," says Ian. "He really pisses Damon off."

"Yeah, we don't get along," echoes Taylor. "Historically, the Salvatores haven't gotten along with the Lockwoods for ages, and having a new Lockwood in town doesn't sit well."

It hasn't been lost on him that he's following in the werewolf paw prints of another famous Taylor — Twilight hottie Taylor Lautner. "My brother gave me a few 'Team Jacob' magnets to mess with me," says Taylor, who apparently sports impressive abs of his own. "I don't know if I stack up to Mr. Lautner, but we'll see."

As for competing with all those sexy werewolves on a certain HBO series, Taylor says he finds it perplexing that "every time a werewolf takes off his pants on True Blood, he transforms." Mason's transformation will be more traditional—dependent upon a full moon. And the actor says he's well-equipped for his first howling scene. "I grow hair like crazy!