The alleyway was dim, the only light coming from the yellow street lights ten feet away. Alec turned up the collar of his jacket, effectively covering the lower part of his face. He watched the street ahead. He took a few tentative steps forward and then shrunk back when a group of people walked past. None of them noticed him. Of course they don't, you're glamoured. Despite that fact Alec couldn't help but be cautious. Mundane couldn't see him, but everyone else could. Then he saw her, she was walking quickly, keeping her eyes straight ahead. When she was close enough to him Alec saw his chance and quickly grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into the alley.

She was quick to react, almost as soon as he had her between t he two buildings, she had him pinned against the wall, arm pressed against his throat. Camille's teeth were bared, their fangs gleaming in the gloom, her green eyes glowing dangerously. When she recognized his face, her eyes widened and she stopped baring her fangs, but her grip remained steady.

"Alexander?"

Alec wanted to reply but his airway was quite constricted at the moment. Camille seemed to notice this and finally let him go. He bent over and coughed, and tried to regain his breath. When he looked back up, Camille's face was set. Her eyes were heavy lidded and her full mouth in a pout.

"What do you want?"

He regarded her carefully: she seemed relaxed enough. Not happy, but not afraid either. Alec felt a twinge of guilt. He was shadowhunter and she was a vampire. Wasn't she supposed to be the least bit scared of him? But taking in her form and expression Alec concluded that no, she was in no way threatened by him or his presence there.

"Why are you still in the city?" Camille rolled her eyes and flexed her slim pale hand. Paler than any human's, her being the undead had something to do with that.

"Why," her voice was drawling and cool, "are you asking? You obviously want something, so spit it out. I don't have time for pleasantries." Alec cursed himself for even questioning her; it wasn't like she was going to answer. But when it came to Camille Alec couldn't help but question her. She seemed to always be hiding a secret, a secret anyone would kill for.

"I want to be immortal."

Camille actually looked taken back; she eyed his neck mean-fully.

"No. Not by being a vampire. You said before there was another way."

Now Camille smiled. It wasn't a nice smile: it was cold, sly and mean. "Yes, I was telling you the truth. There is another way. But it will cost you a great deal. Are you willing to give anything up?"

Alec could feel his heart beat loudly against his chest. He was pretty sure Camille could hear it as well. He hated that. That she knew how nervous he was.

"Yes, I'm willing." At that Camille gave a brisk nod. Even in the partial darkness he could make out the golden shine of her blond hair, which was artfully pinned up. She pulled on long dark gloves and spoke in a business like tone, "you can't let anyone know that I'm helping you. I'm not even supposed to be in this god forsaken city. Trust me. A shadowhunter doing business with an outlaw vampire isn't going to look particularly good to the Clave." She was right about that. Alec swallowed down his fear. He needed this, more than anything. It meant he and Magnus could be together, that was the most important thing.

The Shadowhunter boy and the young vampire women walked out into the deserted street together. Camille turned to look at him.

"So, I help you gain immortality and you help me."

"What am I doing for you?"

Camille's answering smile couldn't help but remind Alec of a snake grabbing its next meal.

"You'll see. I haven't quite decided yet. Do we have a deal?"

She stuck out a gloved hand. After a moment's hesitation Alec grasped it with his. Her grip was strong and firm although her hand was much smaller than his own.

"You have a deal."