I hate the habit and I don't do it, but I know enough people who do that I think of it as a poor stress relief. Smoking is a crutch for a lot of people, to calm nerves, deal with stress and depression. I just calm my nerves with other vices, so I can hardly fault them for it.

Gidian did accurately come across as a disgusting windbag. The bits about "The least I can do is grace you with my presence" and the werewolf definitely worked towards that. :-) I felt pretty bad for Alexi having to deal with him, especially when trying to keep Erik's emotions in check. Erik has no patience for people like that. Honestly though, if Alexi is having this much trouble after just one dose, I'm worried about him after several.