In this case, the way it's done fits very well with Becca's character, and actually helps explain quite a bit. It really does provide honest character development for both of them, and helps keep Becca from being a flat character.
Of course, this means Gus is now officially purely hated.
I think Gus, actually, is a man who thinks he's a wolf. See Discworld for explanations why, but even wolves aren't as viscious as he is. Alpha wolves don't rule by violence, they rule because they're the best people for the job, and everybody knows it. Gus could never be a TRUE Alpha.