I agree, completely. He's an asshole and he's not sure if he was born that way or if it's because of his powers. Alastair is on edge because of his abilities and their massive downside.
He's used his telepathy to get ahead in life, mostly in games of chance. He's made his living through gambling and acquiring high end art pieces and selling them for mark up prices.
I'm still working out his history but somewhere along the way he got into some deep shit and to stay out of being locked away forever he had to agree to work for the government in the states. So he's a bit bitter about his government association...
He's not shaping out to be a very happy guy but he likes being happy...I swear...it's just really hard for him.