First off things for Astarion to say:

1.1 "I could keep you safe. they’re all afraid of me."

~ M <3

I'm not going to lie, I thought it too.

There's utmost certainty on his face, a darkness in the intensity of his stare as his eyes meet yours. Your eyes would glance to the others, the huddle of misfits you have gathered - but you know it to be true. The world would not trust a vampire spawn the way you would. All the more reason then, for you to say: "Fear will not keep you safe - but I will."